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A
HISTORY
OF
THE CAMPAIGNS
OF THE
BRITISH FORCES
IN
SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
Undertaken to relieve those Countries
FROM THE FRENCH USURPATION ;
COMPREHENDING
MEMOIRS OF THE OPERATIONS OF THIS INTERESTING
AVAR,
CHARACTERISTIC REPORTS
OF THE
SPANISH AND PORTUGUESE TROOPS,
AND
ILLUSTRATIVE ANECDOTES OF
Distinguished Military Conduct in Individuals,
Whatever their Rank in the Army.
Tros tyriusve mihi nullo discrimine agetur. Virc.
VOL. IV.
MILITARY STATE OF THE PENINSULA, IN 1809.
DEFENCE OF THE EASTERN FRONTIER OF PORTUGAL.
ADVANCE OF AN ARMY UNDER SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY,
(MARQUIS WELLINGTON,) INTO SPAIN.
THE BATTLE OF TALAVERA.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR T. GODDARD,
MILITARY LIBRARY, 1, PALL-MALL.
1813.
\V. Marghant, Prm^er,
Ingram-Court, Fcnchurch-Street,
London.
PREFACE
TO THE
FOURTH VOLUME.
Arrived at a fourth division of the
annals of the peninsular war, it is agreeable
to find that its progress should be marked
by an advancement of the general cause, and
the increased glory of the British arms ;
notwithstanding the various reverses sus-
tained by the one and the obstructions
which have impeded the other.
In the present volume, a greater variety
of circumstances have perhaps occurred
than in any of those which have preceeded
it ; and a greater variety of documents have
been employed in it which cannot fail to be
interesting to the active soldier; and in
respect to which, the writer will have greatly
deceived himself, if they do not bring him
A 2
IV
PREFACE.
intimately acquainted with the service of
this period in the Peninsula ; and no less so,
if the experience of that various service be
not highly advantageous to those who may
be employed in future armies.
The character of the partisan will be seen
here in a new and important point of view ;
that of the defence of an extensive frontier,
against a regular army skilfully commanded.
Let the troops employed in this arduous
and extraordinary service be called corps of
observation, out-posts, or even reconnoitring
parties, or piquets ; if vanguard of the army
be too lofty a name, — or, indeed, be incor-
rect, since they had no army to support
them ! — Never was there a finer illustration
of the elements of war ; — never did partisan
so nmch resemble the first duties of the
general ; — never did general attain more
perfect success ; — never did heroes more
modestly return to comparative obscurity
of rank ; — never were soldiers less osten-
tatiously rewarded. In the latter duty, as in
the former, all concerned appear exemplary:
the young officer is not only taught the best
parts of his profession, but he is also inspired
PREFACE.
with patience of promotion, and forbearance
from undue exultation. The people of
England are shewn that the sovereign can
form a body of officers and soldiers, with no
other reward than the impulse of honour,
unalloyed by inordinate ambition, and yet
capable of coping with " ari army constituted
like that of France."^
The mingled mass of matter from the seat
of war, hitherto unarranged, has been ad-
mitted from these views ; as well as several
documents of the commander-in-chief, as
they were presented to Parliament, but
hitherto unpublished. They familiarize the
reader with the peculiar circumstances of
the army : — he partakes, through them, of
the alternations of hope and doubt ; ex-
periences, in imagination, all the embarras-
ments of the general, and all the evils of the
army, and then turns to the experience of
of their remedy.
* This phrase, so often repeated, whatever its justice, in re-
gard to the French, cannot be too soon exploded. It may be
often wise to learn from an enemy, but never to despair of com-
petition.
VI PREFACE.
In this, as in the former volumes, the
writer has avoided any beaten track of vul-
gar popularity, and equally guarded against
the vaccinations of opinion. The splendid
achievements of a Wellington, or the exalted
services of a Beresford, must not induce
an over-weening fondness for their defects,
(and who is without them,) any more than
the established reputation of a Burrard or
a Dalrymple, or the immortality of a Moore !
In remarks of this kind, however, in-
considerate spleen, or personal rancour,
is no where to be found ; for, whence
could the writer derive them ? Equally un-
known to them all, and independent of
them all, he has no view to serve, but to
furnish instruction from their experience ;
and to collect and digest, as far as may be,
the materials which this unprecedented war
has produced, into a faithful depository for
future reference to its facts, whose decent
fidelity shall ultimately remunerate the book-
seller, the expense of his laudable endea-
vours for the service ; nor would either dare
to obtrude such unworthy principles before
•PREFACE. Va
that illustrious person, who, solely from
a desire to further every useful object, was
graciously pleased to grant to it the sanction
of his name.
Notwithstanding the extent of the docu-
ments inserted in the present volume, there
are some by no means unimportant, of
which from their length, and still more as
keeping alive a disputed point between the
allies,* the omission was deemed expedient.
These chiefly relate to the correspondence,
which took place between December, 1808,
and March 24, 1809, relative to the occu-
pation of Cadiz by British troops.
The points upon which this correspond-
ence chiefly hinge are the opinions of the
allies, expressed in a letter from M. Garay
to Mr. Frere, on the 1st of March, as he
says, " particularly after the events in Gal-
licia ;'' the desire on both sides of Cadiz,
to cover a retreat ; and the doubts enter-
tained, by both, of each other : the neces-
* The same may be said with respect to a letter of Mr. Per-
ceval, among other documents, relating to the immense expen-
diture of sir John Moore's army, and other subjects.
V"l PREFACE.
sity in the junta of respecting public opi-
nion ; and the difference of sentiment as to
the safety of Cadiz, the Spaniards concei-
ving it to be out of danger, and the British
ministers from the fears of the merchants,
urging the inexpedience of risking an army,
" where wools and cottons were deemed un-
safe."
Some original anecdotes, both personal
and local, will be found in this volume,
which it is wished to increase. The mili-
tary antiquary may be also referred to a
letter of general Cuesta, which, in the
absence of any other information on the
subject, states the arch of the bridge of
Trajan, at Alcantara, that was destroyed,
to be one hundred and twenty feet wide.
IK
CONTENTS.
Preface to Vol. IV.
BOOK. IV.
CHAP. I.
STATE OF THE SPANISH ARMIES, AND OF THE FRON-
TIER OF PORTUGAL, AFTER SIR JOHN MOORe's
RETREAT.
§. 1 . Letter of Lord Castlereagh demonstrative of the
Perseverance of His Majesty^ s Government.
§. 2. Short Campaign under Sir Robert Wilson with
the Lusitanian Legion.
\. 3. Good Conduct of that small Force, and its In-
fluence on the general hopes, under Colonel
Mayne.
§,4. Efforts of the remaining Spanish Armies.
§. 5. Second Siege, and fall of Saragossa.
CHAP. II.
APPOINTMENT OF SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY, (AFTER-
WARDS LORD WELLINGTON,) TO THE COMMAND
OF THE BRITISH ARMY, AND PREPARATIONS FOR
THE NEW CAMPAIGN.
^. 1. Instructions of Sir Arthur Welleslei/, Commander-
in-Chief.
§. 2. Intimations in regard to Cadiz.
§. 3. Correlative Instructions to the British Minister.
§. 4. Arrival of Sir Arthur Wcllesley.
§. 5. His Staff, and the new Force placed under his
Command.
CONTENTS.
§. 6. Communication with the British Minister in Spain,
on a Plan of Operations.
§. 7. Intelligent Anticipation of Mr. Frere.
§. 8. Intercepted Commumca lions of the Enemy.
§. 9. Reports of the Spanish Generals.
§. 10. French Force in Estremadura.
§.11. Sir Arthur Wellesley assumes the Command.
CHAP. III.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE CAMPAIGN OF 1809, UNDER
SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY, (AFTERWARDS LORD
WELLINGTON.)
§. 1. Freparatory Circumstances and Detail.
§. 2. Communications between the British Commander-
in-Chief cuid the Allies.
§. 3. Active Politico-Military Exertions of the British
Minister.
CHAP. IV.
MARCH OF THE ARMY UNDER SIR ARTHUR WEL-
LESLEY, AND DISPOSITION OF THE FRENCH FROM
THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL.
§.1. British Liyie of Battle.
§. 2. Rapid Advance of the Troops.
§. 3. Stratagem of Marshal Soult.
§. 4. Action at Oporto.
§. 5. Destructive Pursuit of Sou It's Army.
^. 6. Rapid Return of the British Army to the South-
ward.
CHAP. V.
OPERATIONS ON THE EASTERN FRONTIER OF POR-
TUGAL. PASSAGE OF THE FRENCH IMPEDED TILL
THE ARRIVAL OF THE BRITISH ARMY.
§. 1 . Movements of the French, under Marshal Victor,
(Duke of Belluno.)
I.
CONTENTS. 3a
|. 2. Exposition of the admirable Principles of the brave
and loyal hu&itanian Legion.
§. 3. Excellent partizan Operations of that Force.
§. 4. Jffair of Sir Robert Wilson, at Barba del
Puerco.
^. 5. Views of the Petite Guerre, conducted by Lieut. -
Colonel Grant.
\. 6. Colonel Mayne's Defence of Trajayi's Bridge, at
J leant ar a.
|. 7. Desertions from the Enemy, and Means by which
produced.
^. 8. Remarks on the Re-organization of the Portuguese
Forces.
CHAP. VI.
ADVANCE OF SIR A. WELLESLEY INTO SPAIN.
§. 1. Wants of the Army.
§. 2. Advance to Ahrantes.
§. 3. Approval of these Operations by his Majesty.
§. 4. Second Attack of the Enemy at the Bridge of
Alcantara, and antient Inscription upon the
centre Arch.
§.5. Instructions to the Van-Guard of tlie Army of
Generals Campbell and Mackenzie.
§. 6. Sir Arthur Wellesley's Intelligence of the Enemy;
Colonel Grant's ; Mr. Frere's.
§. 7. Intercepted Despatches, containing Details of the
Enemy's Operations.
§. 8. Diplomatic Exertions of Sebastiani to win over the
minor Spanish Generalsfrom the Patriotic Cause.
§. 9. Details of the Treaty of Peace between Great
Britain and Spain, in Instructions to the Mar-
quis Wellesley, preparatory to his Spanish
Mission as Ambassador.
VlO. Symptoms of an approaching Battle.
^" CONTENTS.
CHAP. VII. -.
OPERATIONS WHICH LED TO THE BATTLE OF
TALAVERA.
§. 1. Movements of the Enemy indicative of a general
BatUe.
§. 2. Relative Circumstances of the Allies.
§. 3. Amicable military Communications between the
British Minister, Mr. Frere, and the British
Commander-in-Chief.
§. 4. Reports of the Spanish Generals.
&. 5. Communications between Sir Arthur Wellesley and
the British Government.
§. 6. Improved Views of the Campaign.
§. 7. Instruction in respect to an Advance into the
Interior of Spain, and the Appointment of a
British Commander-in-Chief to the Allied
Army,
CHAP. VIII.
THE BATTLE OF TALAVERA.
§. 1 . Affair at the Spanish Outposts.
§. 2. Arrangement of the British and Spanish Generals.
&. 3. Unexpected Decampment of the French.
• §. 4. Situation of the British Army, as powt rayed by
its General, inferior in respect to Provision to
that under Sir John Moore.
§. 5. Details of the Spanish Geiierals in advance.
§. 6. Communications and Opitiions on the State of the
. ;, British Army.
§.7. Memoir of Sir Arthur Wellesley, and other Ac-
counts of the Action.
§. 8. Immediately subsequent Operations.
\. 9. Comparative Remarks between the Situation of the
British General and that of Sir John Moore.
HISTORY
OF THE
CAMPAIGNS, &c,
BOOK IK
CHAP. I.
State of the Spanish Armies, and of the Frontier
of Portugal, after Sir John 3Ioore^s Retreat. —
Letter of Lord Castlereagh demonstrative of the
Perseverance of His Majesty's Government. —
Short Campaign under Sir Robert TVilson zvith
the Lusitanian Legion. — Good Conduct of that
small Force, amd its Influence on the general
hopes, under Colonel Mayne. — Efforts of the
remaining Spanish Armies. — Second Siege, and
fall of Saragossa.
A HE hapless retreat of sir John Moore, while it
BOOK IV.
1809.
January.
could not fail to influence the affairs of the allies state of Spaia
and Portugal,
VOL. IV. B
BOOK IV
CBAP. I.
1809.
CAMPAIGN'S IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
in a very particular manner, as soon as its circum-
stances should become generally known, did not,
januarj. fj.^^^^ j^^ rapidity, extend the news of its disasters
State of Spain ^ '^
and Portugal, bcyoud the line of march, and its vicinity, for a
considerable time. It was, indeed, rumoured,
that the British army was retiring in some places,
and known in others ; but the effect was rather
doubt and consternation than any positive results,
particularly when reports became prevalent of the
final battle and embarkation.
Along the line of march, unhappily, were left
sufficient proofs of the disasters of that army,
which erewhile approached in such gallant array to
aid the cause of Spain ; while the wretched troops
of Romana, in the state in which they have been
described, wandered for shelter and repose, or
rather retired to die ; and the British stragglers
from an army, no longer seeking the enemy, who
found their way into Portugal, gradually confirmed
all the fears which had been formed. Nor were
the tirades of the boastful enemy wanting, much
quicker than either, to tell how the English had
been driven into the sea, and French eagles had
overtopped Corunna !
The hopes of Spain, however, were not repres-
sed, still less the spirit of those British troops
which remained in Portugal; and, with the natives
cf that kingdom, anxiously looked to the moment
UNDER SIR JOHN F, CRADOCK. 3
when in their turn they should advance against bookiv.
J f^ CHAP. I.
the common enemy. ^*^^X^^
1809.
The armies of count Palafox, the duke del In- •^'^""'^^y*.
State of Spaia
fantado, the marquis del Palaicio, and general and Portugal.
Cuesta, were recruited and re-organized during
the diversion which, whatever the nature or causes
of sir John Moore's retreat, was evidently created
in his pursuit; and during the absence of the
French army, also, in that pursuit, La Mancha,
Estremadura, and a great number of towns in the
south of Spain, either possessed or overawed by it,
were occupied with the greatest advantage. The
French garrisons were chased from Catalonia to
the fortresses of the neighbouring passes of the
Pyrennees, to Figueras and Rosas. New depots in
this quarter were, in course, formed with the great-
est agility to the cause. Saragossa, which, in the
former books has been seen to more than emulate
the highest deeds of antient story, resumed her
vigour, as well as Gerona, dear to the Catalonians.
And when even the views of the French army,
whose overwhelming columns had been intended
to complete the subjugation of the peninsula, were
called to the banks of the Rhine and Vienna, the
advantage of these operations became apparent^
from engrossing the whole attention of the con-
centrated French armies, v^rhich still remained in
Spain. This exception may be admitted, that
b2
4 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^^HA^.l^ those which were intended to occupy Lisbon
^"-^J^JlJ"'"*^ drew towards Madrid, and endeavoured to secure
jdaunry. ^hc siuiplc Communication between the capital and
the direct transit to France through Bayonne.
Previous to entering upon tlie subject of a new
campaign under all the circumstances which have
been exhibited, it is proper to shew the feehngs of
the government as they were expressed by lord
Castlereagh, previously to any positive knowledge
of the close of sir John Moore's disastrous cam-
paign. The letters are pregnant with facts, and
shew that the objects of Mr. Frere's anxiety were
no less those of the minister at home.
Viscount Cas-
tlereagh to sir
John Moore.
1 ii
* December 10, ^
12, and 13,
Doivning-street, Jan. 3d, 1 809.
Sir,
Your letters of the dates stated in the
margin,* have been received and laid before the
king.
His majesty has observed, with the highest
satisfaction, the measures adopted by you for
uniting your army with that under sir David
Baird, and for directing the British force thus
concentrated against the enemy's line of commu-
nications. His majesty trusts, that so seasonable
and vio-orous a demonstration in the rear of th«
enemy may be productive of the best effects.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. «
The change that has taken place in the position ^f„^^ J.^'
of the British army since my letters of the 24th ^'"^'^JJT*^
ult. were written (duplicates of which are here- January.
Viscount Cas-
with transmitted) has determined his majesty to tiereagh to »ir
John M«ore.
order the 5000 infantry, then destined to the
Tagus, to proceed in the first instance to Co-
runna, leaving it to your judgment to make sucli
an appropriation of this force as, under all the cir-
cumstances of the war in the peninsula, you may
deem the most advisable.
The 15th regiment of light dragoons, and 300
artillery-horses, are ordered to embark, and will
proceed immediately to Corunna.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) Castlereagh.
To lieutenant-general tir John Moore, K. B. SfC.
Do'iXning-slreetyJan. S, 1809.
Sir,
Under a full persuasion of the importance viscount Cas
' * tlereagJi to
of a large force of cavalry being attached to your Joi'n Moore
army, for the purpose of giving effect to the ope-
ration in which you are at present engaged, I can-
not but regret that the services, even of a single
regiment of dragoons, have at the present moment
been diverted from your immediate support : but
you will recollect, that, when the 14th regiment
sailed from hence, sir David Baird was at that
" CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^?i?Af.}^' nioment actually advanced upon his retreat to-
isoT**"^ wards Vigo ; in consequence of which, and an
January, intimation from that officer, that vou had ordered
Viscount Gas- "^
jor'*M^°*''^ him to proceed without delay to the Tagus,
this regiment, together with the 600 horses for
the artillery, was directed, instead of calling at
Vigo (as before ordered) to go at once to the
Tagus.
My former letters will have explained to you
that the requisition for tonnage, for the reception
of 2000 horsps at Vig-o, arising; out of the intended
re-embarkation of sir David Baird's corps, alone
prevented your receiving from hence the four regi-
ments of cavalry, and two troops of horse-artil-
lery, at that time embarked and nearly ready to sail ;
and although, had this force proceeded to its desti-
nation, it would not, in addition to what had pre-
ceded it, have carried your cavalry to the full
amount which might at the present moment en-
able you to do much, viz. 7 or 8,000 men ; yet,
it would have added, in the first instance, not less
than 3,500 rank and file to your present numbers :
and if the transports which were to convey the
above regiments, together M'ith the other empty
cavalry-transports then in the Tagus and at Co-
runna, (capable of transporting not less than 5,500
horses,) had been immediately sent back, we
should have had the means of detaching from
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 7
hence the remainino^ five regiments of cavalry under book iv.
^ *-" *' CHAP. I,
orders, with a full proportion of horse-artillery, ^"-^-v-w/
which would have fully accomplished, so far January.
I , , , 1 1 • 1111 Viscount Cas-
as depended on numberSj the object we had both tiereagh to sir
,, , John Aloore.
equally at heart.
I trust you will be persuaded, that this state-
ment is not brought forward for the purpose of
questioning the propriety of any thing that has
been done, but simply for the purpose of explaining
why you are not at present supplied with all the
means you might wish for and expect, if nothing
had occurred to interrupt the ordinary progress of
the service, and which I am the rather led to make,
as I observe sir David Baird, in a letter of the
17th, from Benevente, to admiral de Courcy,
writes as confidently of the immediate approach of
not less than four regiments of cavalry, as if he
never had made a requisition ; to comply with
which, his majesty's government had no other op-
tion, but instantly to disembark a considerable
force of cavalry then on the point of sailing.
Your expeience in the difiiculty as well as ex-
pense of extensive equipments of cavalry will make
it no matter of surprise to you, that we should en-
deavour to assign some limit to our establishment
under this head ; in truth, such has been the ex-
tent of the efforts already made, and the means of
supply have in consequence been so much nar-
O CA5IPA1GNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
*?H*^J^ 17' rowed, that we find it difficult at present to procure
^^"^"^CT*^ ^^^^ necessary tonnage for meeting- the other de-
Jaauary. mauds of the army. I feel it necessary, therefore.
Viscount Gas- , -i i • • r
tiereagh to sir to Tcpcat, that if you dccm an addition of cavalry
John 3Ioore. . , . ,
important to the operations in which you are
likely to be engaged, it can only be obtained by
your sending back a proportion of empty horse-
transports now with you. I am aware that it must
depend on the prospect which presents itself, aC"
cording to the nature of the service, of cavalry
being wanted, and also to the general turn of the
campaign, how far it may.be prudent, with a view
to augment the army, to deprive yourself of the
immediate use of the transports in question ; this
is a mihtary consideration we must trust to your
judgment on the spot. If the prospect of render-
ing service to the cause in which we are engaged
is encouraging, we ought not to be discouraged
from making this eiFort, by an apprehension of
ultimately losing a number of horses, provided we
retain the means of re-embarking the men them-
selves; and, as bearing upon this part of the ques-
tion, it may be worth your consideration whether,
by previously strengtheriing positions upon the
harbour of Vigo, and establishing magazines on
the Bayonne islands, the security of such of the
cavalry and draught horses of the army might not
be provided for, by throwing them into those
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. S
islands, which admit of naval protection, as could book iv.
* ' CHAP. I.
not be carried by a single operation, with the ton- v^^-v-"*-*
nage you possess, to any part of the peninsula, to Januarj^.
, . , . . r 1 • 1 Viscount Cas-
which the circumstances or the war ma}' induce tiereagh to sif
. Jolin Moore.
you, by sea, to dnect the operations of the army.
To meet any demand for reinforcements of ca-
valry you may have occasion to make, two regi-
ments will be held in readiness for immediate
embarkation at Falmouth, and two at Portsmouth,
with a proportion of horse-artillery attached to
each.
With respect to the general nature of the war,
and the difficulties imposed upon the British army,
by the disasters and defective co-operation of the
Spanish armies, I beg to offer you my sincere ac-
knowledgments for the plain and candid manner
in which, with a fixed determination to omit no
effort within the ability of your own army to make,
you state to me the considerations which preclude
you from forming any sanguine expectations with
respect to the issue of the present contest. It is
difficult in so complicated a question to arrive at
any precise conclusion with regard to the probable
result of such a struggle. We can only usefully
aim at doing our own duty with the means we
possess, and trust the rest to the exertions of
those in whose behalf we have to contend. Our
efforts with those means must be regulated by the
10
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
military discretion of your officers commanding
1809. ^" ^^^^ ^P°^ ' ^"^ ^ ^"^ confident, however delicate
January. ^j^g dccision ott Certain occasions may be, that
Viscount Cas-
tiereagh to sir you will fulfil thc task imposcd on YOU with
John Moore. ...
ability and judgment.
In adverting to the extent of the means
which it is in our power to employ, I think it
right distinctly to apprise you, that, with the ex-
ception of the cavalry now under orders, and the
5,000 infantry about to sail, I do not consider that
any further force can at present be conveniently
spared ; nor, indeed, could we calculate in pru-
dence, until supplies of silver from South America
shall be assured, upon the means of realising in
Spain the funds necessary for bringing a larger
force into the field; On this subject you are
already in possession of the limits imposed upon
our exertions.
On this part of the question, nothing further
occurs to me, unless it is to remark upon the esti-
mate which I have received from you of the force
now under your orders, which you state at not
more than 28,000 men, including the three regi-
ments ordered to join you from Portugal. Com-
paring this with the enemy's force, taken at 80,000
men, exclusive of their force in Catalonia, it ap-
pears taken as high as I should suppose relative
numbers would justify; but as compared with the
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 11
return of effective rank and file of the British army b o o k iv.
•^ CHAP. I.
on service in Spain, it is much lower than by any ^>-»-"\^-^««-'
* ^ ^ J809.
deductions which occur to me to be made from January.
■t -J- , . _ - ,. Viscount Cas-
tne returns 1 can explam. In the adjutant-gene- tieieagh to sir
ral's return for December, for the army of Spain
and Portugal, the effective rank and file, exclusive
of artillery, are stated at 45,273. The 14th light ^ .
•^ ^ Estimate of
dragoons have since sailed, making a total of ^'^'^^^, Bri'Lsi*
'-' ' o y troops in the
47,649> not reckoning the 5,000 infantry now P'^'»»*"ia.
cindered to Corunna.
By the latest accounts from sir John Cradock,
he had only the four regiments of the King's German
Legion and two British regiments at Lisbon ; he
had one at Santarem, one at Abrantes, and one at
Elvas ; in the whole not more than 6,000 men.
The remainder of the force, with the exception of
what you may have left at Almeida, I consider
either assembled or assembling under your orders;
and although an allowance must be made for sick
and detachments, your gross force, in rank and
file, amounts to not less than 40,000 men. L cer- Sirjohn^ioore'g
anuj esUinated
tainly had hoped that your effective force under at 40,00a.
arms in the field would have been much more con-
siderable than you have stated it is likely to
amount to.
Whilst I am upon this subject, it may bewell
to observe that the two regiments from Gibraltar
can only be considered as an exchange with two
12
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
1809.
January.
Viscoont C»s-
tlercagh to sir
JohQ Moore.
^ooK IV. from Portugal, of less strength and efficiency ;
and in this view, in forming your decision of what
it may be wise under all circumstances to do, you
must not count upon tliese regiments as dispos-
able, independent of and in addition to the force
in Portugal. It is left to you to apply the whole,
or such proportion, of the 5,000 men as you may
think fit, either directly to strengthen your own
army — to strengthen it collaterally, by adding to
sir J. Cradock's means of protecting Portugal,
through which, if carried, the enemy would pro-
bably push a corps northward, along the coast, to
threaten Vigo, and thereby compel you to retire
for the security of your re-embarkation, whilst
they pressed you with another corps in front, — or,
if your information should lead you to consider a
British force could be more advantageously em-
ployed than in either of the modes above stated,
you will send your orders accordingly to major-
general Sherbrook, who is directed to wait for
your directions at Corunna; he sails on Thursday
with the two battalions of guards, the 87th and
B8th, from Portsmouth. The 83d is ordered to
meet him at Corunna.
If you should take only a part of this force for
your own immediate operations, I conclude it
vill be the guards; in that case you will give di-
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 13
rections to major-oeneral Sherbrooke, whether he ^^ok iv.
JO 1 CHAP. nr.
is to join you, or to proceed with the troops ^""^""'^T'*^
elsewhere. I shall apprise sir J. Cratlock of the Jan«iary.
. . Viscount Cas-
change which, in consequence of the alteration in tiereagh to sir
John Moore,
your plan of operations, has been made in the
first destination of this corps. The considera-
tions which would have influenced its disposal,
will still, I have no doubt, be taken equally into
your consideration, and have their due weight in
your decision : and I have only to request that
you will lose no time in apprising sir J. Cradock
and Mr. Frere, to whom the former arrange-
ment was communicated, of the determination
you have formed.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) CASTI.EBEAGii,
To tieiit.-general oil- John Moore, K. B. S^c.
The feelings of his majesty's government must
be infinitely better conceived than described, on
the results which followed the arrangements thus
in contemplation. The utility of these arrange-
ments, however, it will appear, was not des-
troyer!.
As first in order of the procedure, which fol-
lowed the capitulation of Corunna to marshal
Soult, upon the evacuation of the British army,
14 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. r.
1809.
Jaauarv.
the articles of that treaty, sufficiently mild in its
stipulations, may be here added.*
• Though, from their intruisic interest, notwithstanding the
general outcry against the capitulation of Madrid, the capitula-
tion of that capital was not deemed necessary to be introduced
to these pages, it may not be improper to shew that the stipula-
tions were not nr.ore extraordinary in point of favour thaii those
even of the battle of Coranna.
Treaty of capi- Article I. — The preservation of the Catholic, Apostolic, and
tulation of Ma- ... . i • i ti i i .
dfid. Roman religion, without any other being legally tolerated. Ans.
— Granted.
2. —The liberty and sec:urity of the lives and properties of the
citizens and other persons residing in Madrid, as well as of those
in public employments : the preservation of their situations, or
the option of their retiring from this court, if they should prefer
it. Likewise, the lives, privileges, and properties, of the se-
cular and regular ecclesiastics, of both sexes, together with the
respect due to the churches, all in conformity to our laws and
customs. Ans. — Granted.
3. — The lives and properties of all military officers of rank
are likewise to be safe. Ans. — Granted.
4. — No person shall be liable to persecution, on account of
their political opinions or writings, any more than those employed
in a public capacity, for what they m.ay have done hitherto in the
exercise of their employments, or in obedience' to the former go-
vernment ; nor shall the people suffer for the efforts vyhich they
.have made for their defence. Ans. — Granted.
5. — No other contributions shall be exacted beyond the ordi-
nary ones that have hitherto been paid. Ans. — Granted, till the
realm shall definitively be organized.
6. — Our laws, customs, and courts of justice, shall be pre-
served in their present constitution. Ans. — Granted, until the
kingdom undergoes its definitive organization.
7. — The French troops and their officers shall not be quartered
UNDER Sill JOHN F. CRADOCK. 15
Art. 1.— The place of Corunna, the fortified ^?„°;J^./.^-
works, the batteries and ports which depend on ^"^^^^^^
January.
in private houses, but in military lodging: -fiouses and tents, and Treaty of capi-
, . . ^ , . ., n J lulatioa of Ma-
ny no means in convents or monasteries ; tlie privileges allowed dj-id.
to the respective classes by the laws being preserved. Ans. —
Granted ; it being well understood that both the officers and pri-
vates must have quarters and tents that are furnished conformably
to the military regulations, unless the said buildings be insuffi-
cient.
8. — The troops shall march out of tlie town with the honours
of war, and be at liberty to retire whithersoever they choose.
Ans. — The troops shall march out with the honours of war : they
shall march off by files to-day, at four o'clock in the afternoon,
and leave their arms and cannon ; the armed peasants shall also
leave their arms and artillery ; after which the inhabitants shall
retire to their houses, and those from without the town, to their
villages. All the individuals that have enlisted among the troops
of the line, four months ago, shall be free from their engagemenls,.
and retire to their villages. All the rest shall continue prisoners
of war till an exchange takes place, which will commence im-
mediately between equal numbers, and rank for rank.
9. —The public debts and engagements of the state shall be
faithfully and constantly discharged. Ans. — This being a poli-
tical object, belongs to the cognizance of the assembly of the
realm, and depends on the general administration.
10. — Those generals who wish to continue in the capital shall
preserve their rank ; and such as are desirous of quitting it, shall
be at liberty so to do. Ans. — Granted ; they shall remain in
their station, although their pay can only continue till the king-
dom receives its ultimate organization.
Additional Art. 11. — A detachment of guards shall this day,
at four o'clock, take possession of the palace gates. The differ-
ent gates of the city shall, about the same time, be delivered up
to the French army. The guard -house of tlie body guards, and
16
BOOK IV.
CHAP, I.
1809.
January.
Articles of trea
ty for the eva-
cuation of Ck)-
runna.
CA.MPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
It, artillery, amniuuition, inagazines, charts,
plans, and memoirs, shall be given up to the
troops of his majesty the emperor and king, Na-
poleon. For this purpose his excellency t^e mar-
shal duke of Dalmatia shall be at liberty to take
possession of the gate, called the Lower Tower,
(la tour d'en bas,) this evening.
2. — The Spanish garrison which is in Corunna;
the persons in civil authority, as well judicial as
administrative or financial ; the clergy, and the
inhabitants in general, shall take the oath of
fidelity and homage to his majesty the king of
Spain and the Indies, Don Joseph Napoleon.
Treaty of capi-
tulation of I^Ia-
drid.
the general hospital, shall be surrendered at the same time. At
the same hour the park of artillery, and the arsenals, together
with the engineers, shall be surrendered to the French artillery
and engineers. The works and entrenchments shall be levelled,
and the streets repaired. The French officer about to take the
command of Madrid, shall, about mid-day, repair, under a mili-
tary guard, to the house of the principal, (governor,) in order to
concert with government, regulations of police, and measures
for the re-establishment of good order and public security in all
parts of the town.
We, the undersigned commissioners, authorised by full pow-
ers for settling and signing the present capitulation, have agreed
upon the faithful and entire execution of the above measure.
Fernando de la Veray Pantoga.
Thsmas de MORtA.
Alseandro.
Imperial Camp, Madrid, the ■ith of Dec. 1 808i
UNDER SIR JOHN" F. CRADOCK. ^7
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
3. — The persons concerned in the civil admi-
nistration, as well judicial as financial ; the in-
tend ant 2:eneral of the kino-dom of Gallicia and
~ . "-^ _ Articles of trea-
of file province of Corunna, the corregidors, tyforthceva-
* / c^ cuation of Co-
alcaides, and other functionaries, sliall he pro- runna.
visionally preserved in their employments, and
shall exercise their functions in the name of his
majesty king Joseph Napoleon. All the acts of
the civil administration shall be made in the name
of his said majesty.
4. — The military of the garrison, wliatever be
their rank and employment, may enter into the
service of his majesty, king Joseph Napoleon,
and be allowed to retain the same rank, after
having taken the customary oaths of fidelity and
allegiance, as is provided in the second article.
For this purpose a list of the names of the prin-
cipal and inferior officers and soldiers shall be
made out. This list shall be certified by his ex-
cellency general Don Antonio D'AIzedo, governor
of Corunna, to the end that a particular destina-
tion may be given to the military, according to
the orders of his excellency the minister of war
in the kingdom of Spain ; but, in the mean time,
the military shall wait at Corunna. The means
of subsistence and quarters shall be furnished to
them as to the French troops. The officers, and
those employed in the royal marine, who are at
VOL. IV. c
iS CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
^ciPa!^. T' Coriuina, are included in the present article, and
^^^J^J^^ must await at Corimna the orders of thg minister
j^iuary. ^f mariuc.
Articles of trea-
ty for the eva- 5. — The military of the f^arrison, whatever
cuation of Co-
runna. their rank, who wish to quit the service, shall be
at liberty to retire to their respective habitations,
after they shall have received their dismissal in
due form, under the authority of his excellency
the minister at war ; and on taking the oath of
fidelity described in the second article. — Such as
refuse to take such oath, shall be considered pri-
soners of war.
6. — The property of the inhabitants shall be
respected, and no contribution shall be levied on
them, but a subsistence for the troops in garrison
shall be provided by the province. That the
places of public worship, and the government,
shall be placed under safe custody ; religion shall
be respected, and its ministers shall be protected
in the exercise of their functions.
7. — The administration of the royal revenues
shall be continued as heretofore, but in the name
of, and to the use of, his majesty king Joseph
Napoleon ; and, to that effect, all the ecclesias-
tical and civil authorities, as well as those em-
ployed for the king, shall continue to fulfil their
respective functions, and shall be paid according
to their several appointments.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK.
19
. BOOK IV.
8. — If any one employed in the courts, or m chap. i.
the administration, shall be desirous of resigning 1809.
his office, his resignation shall be accepted, and ^.tij^j^/trea.
no one shall prevent such measure ; and if he ^uation^of Co-
should desire to leave the town with his effects '"""*
and property, he shall be permitted so to do,
granting him proper sureties, and a passport for
that purpose.
9. — The deputies of towns, and all other indi-
viduals, called to form a part of the Junta of the
kingdom of Gallicia, may return to their houses,
with their equipages and their property, if they
shall so wish ; and an escort shall be granted to
them for their personal security, on their requi-
ring it.
10. — Every inhabitant of the place shall be at
liberty to retire whithersoever he pleases, with his
moveables, effects, and whatever belongs to him,
provided the place of his retirement be in the in-
terior of the kingdom. *
11. — The houses and effects of all persons who
may be absent by order or leave, business, or
any other cause, shall be respected, and the pro-
prietors shall be at liberty to return when they
find it convenient.
12. — The benefit of a general amnesty, granted
by the emperor and king in his own name, as well
as in the name uf his majesty king Joseph Na-
o 2
BOOK IV,
CHAP. I,
1809.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
poleon, shall be extended to the garrison and the
inhabitants of Corunna, as also to jDcrsons who
January. have filled officlal situations. For this purpose no
Articles of trea-
ty for the eva- individual shall be prosecuted, arrested, or pun-
cuation of Co- '
runna. ished, for au}' share they may have had in the
disturbances which have agitated the kingdom,
nor for their speeches, writings, or actions, the
measures, resolutions, or orders, which have
been adopted or executed during the commo-
tions. The benefit of the same general amnesty
shall be extended to all the towns, villages, and
communes, of the kingdom of Gallicia, as soon
as they shall have submitted, and as soon as the
inhabitants shall have taken the oath of fidelity
to his majesty the king Joseph Napoleon.
I'?. — The laM's, customs, and dress of tlic
people, shall be preserved without any infringe-
ment, or modification : the laws shall be those
which are, or shall be, established by the consti-
tution of the kingdom.
Done at Corunna, the 19th day of January,
1809.
. (Signed) Marshal the duke of Dalmatia.
Antonio de Alzedo.
Decrees had already been issued from IMadrid,
for securing the imports and the administration of
justice to such parts of Spain as were under the
fJXDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 21
mfluence of the French, abrogating monopolies, ^^^^f l^^'
reducing to one-third the religious in monastic se- """^.p*^
elusion, and for the destruction of the barriers ^mn^u-
between the provinces.
As to Portugal, to which attention will now
necessarily be drawn in tlie first instance, among
the early steps of its government, for which it had
also the advantage of leisure from the diversion
created by the disastrous expedition of sir John
Moore, was the following ordinance for a general
armament of- the people.
The defence of the country beino- the first duty Prodam^tion
" ^ "^ ot the govcrn-
\rhich honour, reason, and even nature itself, im- «'e"t oi Ponu-
' gal, llili Dec
pose on all men, wh^n a barbarous nation, des- ^^*^^-
pising the most sacred rights acknowledged in the
world, aims at enslaving a country, plundering
its property, destroying its religion, violating its
temples, and committing the greatest atrocities
that the perversity of manners or inhumanity
can invent. Portugal, unfortunatel}';, is threat-
ened with all these evils ; and its inhabitants have
no means to avoid the horrors to which they are
exposed, but by liaving recourse to arms, to repel
by force the odious and w icked designs of their
enemies.
We have, therefore, resolved, that the whole
Portuguese nation shall be armed in the manner
22
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
If ■^cH^xI^i^.^* ^v^^ich to each inhabitant may be practicable;
^^"•'^^^J^'*^ that all the males, without exception of person or
January. class, sliall providc themsclves with a pike, twelve
Proclamation of _
the government or thirteen palms (six or seven feet) in leng-th,
of Portugal, ' ^ ^ ^ ' ^ '
11th December, and such Other arms as their circumstances may
1808. . "^
permit.
That all the cities, towns, and considerable
villages, shall be fortified by blockading the en«
trances and principal streets with two, three, or
more, cross-beams, in order that all the inhabi-
tants mav be enabled to defend themselves vi^or-
ousl}^ when the enemy shall present himself.
That all the officers in Lisbon, and administra-
tors of districts, shall, within the space of eight
days from the date of this ilecree, deliver in to
the military-governor-general of their respective
provinces, a list of such persons as from their ac-
tivity, ability, good conduct, and the respect
they are held in by the people, are qualified to take
a command, always preferring, in similar circum-
stances, those who arc already military officers,
and pointing out such of the said officers as by
their age, incumbrances, or other circumstances,
ought no longer to fill the posts they occupy.
Tiiat all the generals charged with the military
government of provinces, shall divide their go-
vernments into districts, and appoint an officer of
known activity and probity, whether of the
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRATjOCK.
BOOK IV
CHAP. 1.
troops of the line or militia, whom the chief and
other officers shall obey in consequence of the ^g^^
said appointment, who shall visit the different vil- ^^^^-^^y-
FruclamatioD of
lajjes of their district, examine the state of the tiie government
■^ of Portugal,
several companies, and from the persons recom- mh December,
' ' ' 1808.
mended to them, appoint such for officers as they
shall judge deserving and capable; who shall im-
mediately begin to exercise their companies,
which shall assemble on all Sundays and saints'
days in their respective districts, in order to ren-
der themselves expert in the use of the arms they
have, and in military evolutions : comprehending
all the males from fifteen to sixty.
Lastly, we have resolved, that every person
who shall not take up arms, but refuse to concur
with the nation in general, to the defence of our
country, shall incur and suffer the punishment of
death ; and the same punishment shall await all
those who shall furnish any succour or aid to the
enemy, by supplying them, with provisions, or
assisting them in any other mode.
In like manner, any village which shall not de-
fend itself against" the assailants of the kingdom,
but permit their entrance without making every
possible resistance, shall be burnt and levelled
with the ground.
And we hereby order all generals, military go-
vernors of provinces, the intendant-general of
'2-* CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^c^i?p^x!^' police, and all corregidors, auditors, and in ge-
^^^"^^^^ "eral all officers, military ifffd civil, to aid and
ProcSSnof assist in Carrying into effect the provisions of this
oKugar"' 5oyal decree, which shall be affixed up in all the
inhDec.n.bcr, ^^^^^Ic pLiccs, all the cltics, towns, and villages,
of this kingdom, in order that it may be made
known by every inhabitant.
Approved Inj the coimc'd of icar, zvJw will cause
it to be e:c edited.
From this proclamation the regular army and
militia were numerically recruited to seventy
thousand men ; but of those arms were not to be
had for ten thousand, nor of the remaining equip-
ments for one. The French had employed their
leisure previous to, and perhaps after, the conven-
tion of Cintra, in breaking the stocks, and bend-
ing the bairels, of the small arms, of which ten
thousand stand remained in Almeida, and many
dep6ts in the minor garrisons, useless, in January,
1809.
This was among the unavoidable effects of the
nature and political origin of the war; — the em-
barrassments of converting nations, (at best
scarcely more than neutral,) into, if not princi-
pals, at least allies.
From the same principle, also, was to be en-
dured the evil, that of the numerical force, very
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CIiABOCl<;. 25
properly called into notice, if not action, by llie ^^J^^^^^^-
preccdintr order, scarcely any part could be >^^v-«**/
r o ' J ^ \ 1809.
deemed absolutely efficient ; for the levies were J^nuarj.
.only to be marched from their several parishes on
an actual invasion of their country, and were no
otherwise embodied than for drill on particular
days.
The British army remaining under the com- Brigadiei-genc-
mand of sir John Cradock, in Portugal, could brigade.
not have brought into the fi^ld ten thousand
troops. To these^ however, were added, the de-
tachments and the brigade, under brigadier-ge-
neral Cameron, which, from the intelligence of
the embarkation of the British army at Corunna,
returned to Lisbon.
These were aided in the organization of the new Origin of ti«
. . . „ Lusilaiiian Le-
Portuguese levies, by those enterprismg omcers gioo.
who had been appointed under the auspices of
lord Castlereagh, to the formation of a body of
troops from the loyal Portuguese, who had been
induced to emigrate to England. In September,
1808, sanctioned by the chevalier deSouza, am-
bassador to Great Britain, they landed at Oporto;
and, welcomed by the patriotic bishop, proceeded to
recruit for active service, ultimately forming the
Loyal Lusitanian Legion, under the chief command
of sir Robert Wilson.
The hardy peasantry from which the legion was
26
BOOK IV.
cjiAr 1.
t809.
Ja^auary.
Origrn of the
Lusitdiiian Le-
gion,
Uotnments of
tiW legion by
col Miiyne.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIX AND POllTUGAL,
recruited, were the same which, united with the
inhabitants of Oporto, in the preceding June,
favored by a position, had attacked the French
general, Loison, on his march against that place,
and taken his baggage. The discipline and true
military subordination of a part of these troops,
had also been evinced in restraininjj the vensreance
of their countrymen against the French atQporto,
on their embarkation.
Colonel Mayne joined this body, as colonel-
commandant of the first battalion, in the end of
September, and continued employed in organizing
the new levy till December, by which time were
effective three battalions of light infantry, some
cavalry, and a brigade of artillery, with four
six-pounders, and two howitzers, amounting to
two thousand men, well disciplined, clothed,
and appointed : the uniform of the infantry was
green, to which were added white facings for the
cavalry, and black for the artillerj^ The legion
might have been soon increased to ten thousand
men, but means for their equipment were want-
ing, and recruits were therefore obliged to be re-
jected daily. No men, says colonel Mayne, could
more deserve praise by every good quality of re-
cruits and soldiers, whether of diligence, obedi-
ence, &c. to learn our discipline, or of zeal, spirit,
;&c. to exercise it when taught. This corps formed
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 2/
a model for the reo-eneration of the Portuguese book iv.
army. There was a fine enthusiasm which ran in "— --v-^*-^
'' 1309.
rapid improvement from man to man, from rank January.
Documents of
to rank. the Legion bj
The energies of sir Robert >V ilson, and the ot-
ficers next in command, would not suffer this
efficient body of men to lie idle, when the neces-
sity for their activity became apparent. At a no-
tice of thirty six hours, therefore, agreeably to
the orders of lieut.-general sir John Cradock, the
first division of the loyal Lusitanian Legion, had
marched from Oporto on the 14th of December,
1808, in the direction of the eastern frontier,
leaving the second division to await there the ar-
rival of its equipments from England, under baron
Eben, who was as quickly as possible to march it
as a corps of reserve to the first, but which did not
take place.
The march of this little army, under its active
and intelligent partizans, is thus forcibly des-
cribed by the narrator of its circumstances in a
recent sketch.*
Sir Robert Wilson and the British officers'}' at-
* Narrative of the Campaigns of the Loyal Lusitanian Le-
gion, &c. p. j9.
t These Britisli officers were colonels Mayne, baron Eben,
baron Perponger, lieut.-col. Grant, captain Charles, aide-de-
camp to sir Robert, captain Liilie, who had been with the Bri-
2S CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^ci^A^.T' Cached to the legion, marched witli the first divi-
'^"*'J^^^]"*^ sion, and took, it seems, the direction of Almeida
January. pj^^j ^iudacl Rodri^^o, tlnouiih which places the Bri-
Documeiits of . n > n i
the Legion by tish amiv, uttdcT slr Jolin Moore, had passed a short
col. Majne.
time before. The line of march was through Pe-
iiifiel and Amaranthe, along the right bank of the
river Douro, through Alezon Frio to Passa de lle-
goa, where (says col. Mayne) we crossed the Douro
and proceeded to Lamago ; the reception we met
with from the Portuguese, during our march, was
truly hospitable, having brought us in the kindest
manner to tlicir houses ; and the gratitude and
attention evinced particularly to the British of-
ficers, for the interest they seemed to take in their
cause, was to them particularly flattering. The
weather had hitherto been very iine ; however, on
our march from Lamago, the rain poured on us
in torrents, continuing for several days without
intermission ; but, as it was conceived that affairs
at that period would not permit us to delay our
march, we were obliged to proceed, notwith-
standing the floods. The roads we passed were
deemed nearly impassable ; and to many who
may be unacquainted with the state of them in
tish army under sir Arthur VVcIIcsley, and volunteered to remain
with the Legion, and captains Ru man and Western, Drs. Mil-
lengea and Bolman.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 2Sf
tills country, at certain periods of tlie vear, It bookiv.
•• ' ' V ' CHAP. I.
may appear extraordinary to state that we were ^^"^^^^'T^
actually obliged to swim our horses ; and it was January-
'^ . 1 T r^- 7 Documents of
With tiie greatest exertion ana dimculty we were thcLegionby
enabled to bring forward our artillery, bemg
obliged to take the beasts from the guns, and
officers and men, hand in hand, pulled them
through tlie waters, which in many places
reached up to their shoulders ; and, as an ex-
ample to junior ranks, we remarked our leaders
among the number. We at length arrived, with
considerable ditliculty and inconvenience, at Pin-
ficl, a bishop's see, three leagues west of Aimed a,
and four of the Spanish frontier ; here the corps
halted for a few days, to make the necessary ar-
rangements for the commencement of active ope-
rations, as well as to descatisar ahcr their severe . ],
and fatiguing march from Oporto, which they
bore with great patience and fortitude, and only
seemed anxious to come in contact with the ene-
mies of their country, manifesting such confi-
dence in their officers as gave us every reason to
anticipate the subsequent bravery they displayed
when opportunities offered. However, the un-
favourable change which took place at this pe-
riod in the cause of the peninsula cast an universal
damp on the Spaniards and Portuguese, by the retro- ^h effect of im
retreat of sir
grade movement of tlie main British force under sir JohuMoore.
30 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV
CHAP. I.
1809.
John Moore, on \\ hich the patriots of the penin-
sula had cast their eyes as the means of their sal-
jaiiuary. vation froHi thc French yoke.
Documents of
the Legion by The fcw British troops and stores that had been
col Mayne. _ *
then on their way to join the British army, were
immediately countermanded ; some to Oporto,
and others to Lisbon, for which places they pro-
ceeded with all possible despatch.
Under such circumstances the situation of the
loyal Lusitanian Legion may be easier conceived
than expressed. Orders had been received from
British general officers for our retreat, and inti-
mation had been received likewise by sir Robert
Wilson, from lieut. -general sir Jolin Cradock,
Orders for rc- commaudcr of the forces in Portugal, of its hav-
treat to the
officers of the '^^ bccu his wisli that thc British officers of the
Lusitanian Lt- ^
gion. legion should witlidraw and provide for their own
personal safety : we, therefore, were rather awk-
wardly circumstanced, having entered the Por*
tuguese service and embarked in their cause, and
finding the country on the eve of evacuation by
the British, and invaded by the French. And if
the British army had embarked at Lisbon, in all
probability the retreat of the corps would have
been cut off by marshal Soult; for, marshal Soult,
on the 28th of February, with 16,000 men, did,
capture Oporto ; and another FVench corps then
at Placentia, were expected to move down the
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK.
31
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
Taffus. Sir Robert Wilson communicated their
situations to the British otlticers with him, leaving ^^^^
it at their option either to go or stay- But they J='-'"<«y-
^ . Documents of
considered that as they then conceived them- i^e Legion by
•^ col. Mavne,
selves really to be in the service of Portugal, that
it would be highly disgraceful at this critical
juncture, and inconsistent with the character of a
British soldier, and with the principles by which
their conduct had hitherto been guided, to leave
this service; they all consequently determined on
not abandoning their brave brethren in arms, but
to remain and share the fate of the Portuguese
officers and men, whose confidence they had
gained, and whom they had brought to the fron-
tiers for the purpose of defending their country,
well armed, and perfectly equipped, for active
and immediate service.
On the evacuation of the garrison of Almeida,
by the British troops, under Brigadier-general
Cameron, consisting of the 45th and Q7th regi-
ments, retii ing to Lisbon, colonel Mayne was by
that officer appointed his successor, to secure the
removal of the valuable British stores deposited
in this fortress, for the expected campaigns of sir
John Moore's army. The garrison consisted of
the Portuguese troops of the line already there,
and a detachment of the loyal Lusitanian Legion.
32 CAMPAIGNS IK SPAIN AND PORTUGAL^
^^HA? i!^* ^*^ Robert iiiimediately inarched into Spain, niov-
^^^•^■^v^^*^ ing in the direction of Ciiidad Rodrigo; his ad-
jaiiuaij. vance, consisting of two companies of infantry,
Documents of
the Legion by a scjuadron of cavalry, and two s^uns, commanded
•of. Mayne. ...
by captain LiUie. Sir R,obert having pushed
across the Spanish frontier, resolved on placing
his corps in front of the garrisons of Almeida and
Ciudad Rodrigo, in the direction of Salamanca,
where he occupied a very extensive line of coun-
try. *
The doQuments of colonel Mayne convey not
only the following spirited account of his com-'
mands, during this campaign, which deserve to
be read and studied by every miHtary man, liable
in this variegated war to become a partizan, but
also a liberal detail of the services of his superiors
and inferiors ; and memoirs of those of the troops
at different times under his command (in effect)
as brio:adier-2:encral ; which cannot fail to be
Do '
equally interesting to the soldier, and important
to anything which approaches to the form of
history.
I remained (says colonel Mayne) in Almeida
in charoe of British stores, from the 5th of Ja-
tiuary to the l6th of February ; during which
time, under my immediate direction and superin-"
tendance, stores were conveyed to Lamago, to
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 3S
the valuable amount of ^150,000 sterling. The ^^^„^^,^^'
remainder was preserved by the advance of the ^^"''[^JT^^
legion into the plains of Salamanca. January,
The following documents, alluding to these
transactions, as well as some others which will be
inserted in their place, will exhibit the circum-
stances of this short campaign.
Sir,
Inconsequence of despatches which bri- Coi. Guard,
' 45th regiment ;
ojadier-general Cameron has just received, he de- <^ated f one de
° ° J » Moiirero, Jan.
sires me to request that you will, with all possible 9- 1*^^^' tocoi.
despatch, forward the ordnance and hospital J|Jj^e|"y^^i-
stores that are in Almeida, to Lamago. The ge- ™^''^*' ^*^ *'^'
neral requests also that you will acquaint sir R.
Wilson, that he recommends it to him to fall
back on Oporto without delay. Should any of
the Shrapnell shells still remain in Almeida, you
will have them completely destroyed ; and all
stragglers from the British army must be forwarde(;l
to Lamago, to wait further orders.
W. Guard,
Lieut.~col. 43th Regt,
Of the importance of this trust, and the con-
duct of the respectable officer to whom it was
confided, the following will afford the best testi-
mony.
VOL. IV. r>
3^ CAMPAIGNS IX SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.
CHAP. I. ' From the increase of expense that must attend
^^"^^(^^^^^ the situation of commanding officers of Elvas,
January Ahncida, &c. &c. the commander of the forces
Oeneral orders,
Lisbon, Jan. 2, U'lY J ohii Cradock) directs, until the pleasure of
1809, reiauve ^ -' ' I
totheoccupa- government shall be known, that the officers in
tion ot the ior- " '
meida' ^^' ^ctu^l Command shall receive an extraordinary-
allowance according to their rank : colonef, 24*.
per diem ; lieutenant-colonel, 20^. per diem : and
these allowances to take place from the time of
their actually holding the command.
Thomas Reynell,
Lieut-col. Adjutant-general.
Sir R- Wilsons ' J hereby certify, that colonel Mayne, of the
certificate oa ^ j ' j j
hese orders Loyal Lusitauian Legion, was placed with a de-
tachment of this corps in the command of the
fortress of Almeida, from the 5th of January to
the l6th of February, 180.9, inclusive, to super-
intend the transportation of valuable artillery-
stores, and other arrangements relating to the
commissariat and hospital stores ; which duty he
completely executed with the greatest zeal, and
to the great advantage of his majesty's service.
(Signed) Robert Wilsox,
Chcffe L. L. L.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 3j
Upon the British troops leavins: Almeida, the ^oo^ iv.
' r o ' CHAP. I.
fort was occupied by a division of the Loyal Lusi- ^>^^/'^»-^
' •' *^ 1809.
tanian Legion, commanded by colonel Mayne, who January.
, 1 . ,/• • 1 1 1 • T.ieut -general
acquitted nimselr in that duty much to my satis- sir j. cradock'*
1 f' 1 certificate re-
faction ; and it appears to me, that from whatever laiivetothess
orders.
source the money can be issued, that that officer
has just pretensioQs to the allowances enjoyed
by his predecessors, for such period as he com-
manded the fortress of Almeida.
(Signed) J. F. Cradock,
Lieut-general.
Hereford-street, Nov. 20, 1809.
]\Iy dear Mayne,
Amidst all your other hard duties, I have Brigadier-gen.
. i^ir R Wilson,
the cruelty to employ you still more : the officer relative to the
removal of the
with the prize-cotton (worth ^20,000,) taken by prize-cotton
from Almeida:
the 18th lio;ht drao-oons, is here in o-reat distress, fiated ciudad
*^ * ' ^ Kodrieo, Jan.
I would have sent this cotton to Seville, but it le, 1809, to co-
lonel Mayne,
would have taken three or four months to transport commanding the
*• fortress ol Al-
it, and I have now desired him to get it transported ™^'''"*
to Almeida, and from thence to the Douro ! It re-
quires 120 carts: will you employ your interest
with Azeido* to get this work completed r Send it
to Lamago, or the point the ammunition went from :
I prefer Lamago ; but at all events there is much
* A general in the Portuguese service.
^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
I ^ cH^AP.i^.^' ^^azard, as the Portuguese will not like to see the
i ^^"^09^^ property move out of their country.
„ Z''"""^^- Believe me, most faithfully yours,
' ««• II. Wilson to (Sisrned) Robert Wilson.
I colonel -Mayne. v o /
After the most valuable of these British stores
and the prize-cotton had been removed by the
greatest exertions, colonel IVIayne marched his di-
vision to join sir R. Wilson in Spain.
At this time, continues the colonel, sir R. Wilson
and his officers were again strongly recommended
to withdraw, as it was supposed, as general sir
John Moore's army had actually retreated ; that the
remains of the British army would embark at Lis-
bon ; and that in all probability the retreat of the
corps would be cut off by marshal Soult. [For
marshal Soult, on the 28th February, with 16,000
men, did capture Oporto ! and another French
corps, then at Placentia, was expected to move
down the Tagus !] But it would have been highly
disgraceful at this critical juncture to have thus
abandoned our Spanish allies, and wholly incon-
sistent with the principles which had hitherto
guided our conduct, and had gained us their ap-
probation and confidence !
The legion therefore did persevere, and in the
presence of 12,000 of the enemy did maintain their
posts in the plains of Salamanca ! This French
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 37
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
1809.
force was under the command of general Lapisse
of which force there were above 1,500 dragoons !
The legion, in tlie presence of this very superior January
force, surprised Ledesma on the Tormes, only six
miles from Salamanca! and re- captured, and re-
stored to the junta of Ciudad Rodrigo the horses
and the public money which the French had put
in requisition there !
The legion were most critically placed; their
services were most effectual and important, for
all the very great objects in view ! And such were
the happy effects from his bold, though certainly
hazardous, resolution, of thus maintaining their
positions in advance of Ciudad Rodrigo. Many
people in Portugal, and almost all out of Portugal,
apprehended that we were surrounded and lost;
for this adventure was certainly full of peril.
But the peril passed, the rewarding results from it
were conspicuous ; and the legion enjoyed the
British praise, for having thus saved, from French
investment and possession, the fortresses of Ciudad
Rodrigo and Almeida ! and Almeida then had not
a garrison ! and had great (piantities of provisions,
indispensable stores.
in the i^enerous allowance of our countrvmen,
it was confessed also that the gallant determination
of the kgion prevented the immediate irruption of
the enemv into Portugal ! when thcv would have
58
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
thrown the British suhjects in Lisbon into the
^^^^^"^ greatest alarm, and excited popular clamours and
dnudry. cliscontcnts among the Portuguese ; to which, even
to explosion, they then seemed so formidably prone !
And this must have been most fatal to all our
future operations.
Let here also be added the fair enhancement of
these attending circumstances, as to time and
place ! That these arduous .and successful move-
ments of our Portuguese legion were achieved at
the moment, wlien all were depressed by sir John
Moore's lamented death ; when the British armies
were in retreat from Corunna ! when the cause
itself was drooping, almost out of hope, if not into
despair; and Spain and Portugal appeared to be al-
most, if not altogether, irrecoverably lost !
It was in the depths of gloom like this that the
legion revived the dying campaign, when Buona-
parte, already returned to Paris, flattered himself
that he had thoroughly extinguished the little na-
tional spirit that remained in these devoted coun-
tries ! — when, not only private individuals, and a
large j)art of the population, but what remained of
the British army in Portugal, were preparing and
prepared, to seek for safety, by quitting the shores
of the peninsula ! — when all confidence seemed
extinct ! not more by the retreat before-mentioned,
\lian by the apathy of those who had authority in
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 39
Portuo-al and Spain ! — wlien, accorclino* to every ^<^<^k iv.
thins^ in human foresight, nothine; remained but ""^^
^ n > a -1809.
for the French to maich, to overrun, and, ravage January
to the vvliole !
This eventful period, and these momentous cir-
cumstances, fixed the legion's claim to military
estimation and regard ! Foi-, besides the preser-
vation of Almeida and Ciudad Roderigo, and their
stores ; the movements of the legion successfully
regenerated the public s])irit and confidence, and
relieved the combined armies from the most serious
difficulties and dangers.
At Alcantara, and at Pucrte de Bainos, as well
as on the Agueda, and in the plains of Salamanca,
the legion contrived to defeat the purposes of the
enemy, and that enemy of very superior force.
All this M'hile, the legion had nothing ! — no
commissariat! — no carts! — no tents! — not even
camp-kettles ! Sir R, Wilson had no money ! no,
not even to pay for the subsistence of this small
corps ! — no means of horsing ; no, not even the
artillery nor dragoons !
The legion, for themselves and by themselves,
contrived to do or suffer all ! They did all ! They
supplied all, as far as supplies could be taken from
the enemy; and the su])phes were for the most
part such as to suffice.
Nay, even at Alcantara, there, was no commis-
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
sariat ! &c, &c. and Alcantara was apart, from the
^g^jj nearest post of the allied army, 150 miles ! where
jaBuarj two bodics of PoTtiiguese, one of 1,800, and the
other of 2,500, were subsisted for almost two
months, with little or no expense to either govern-
ment, by the exertions of lieut.-col. Grant and
myself, in securing the cattle, &c. Sec. that would
otherwise have fallen into the hands of the enemy.
The legion must lay claim to good consider-
ation for another species of service of avail, not
flight,* to th6 interesting cause ! This was, inter-
cepting the enemy's despatches and mails; and
securing the transit of our own !
Foi', the intercourse grbwing with the emer-
gencies On both sides, was great between both —
between our ministers, our officers, and all the
juntas, &c. &c. and between Paris and Madrid.
Proofs of this service liappily abound in the
official correspondence and reports, as well as in
ihe intercepted despatches, frustrating move-
ments of the enemy, who thence were led to
over-rate very greatly the numbers of the legion
according lo the official narrative from the ]\Ioni-
teur, from tlie varieties and character of their
* So far from this negative merit attributed by the enlightened
commandant to this service being at all overcharged, the common
sense ot every military man will decide that it is yet underrated.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 4l
enterprises. For the legion never were more than ^'^j,^,^^^'
5,000 ; they were, very often, less ! ^""TsoT^
Far, very far indeed, be it from any officer of the January.
British service to slight any other's claim ; and
such a claim as that of the brave and patriot Por-
tuguese officers ! They had, every one of them,
their full share with each British officer of the
legion, whereever there might be any trial, of
hardship and of hazard, for merit and fame.
The men too, alt, in each battalion, did their best,
with a patience, an alacrity, zeal, and courage,
well worthy to support and decorate any cause!
And that, too, at the moment when all was doubt
or difficulty, despondence or despair ! when every
struggle seemed the last ; and the enemy, unresisted
or irresistible, hovered over all !
The British officers serving ^\ilh the legion,
were, as already stated :-^col. sir R. Wilson, brig.-
general in Portugal col. ]\layne, lieut.-col. Grant,
captains Lillie, Western, I)ubra\va, surgeons Alel-
lingen, Boliman ; and those of the British officers
reconnoitring in advance of the British army, who
at times attached themselves to the legion, were,
colonel D'Urban, lieut.-col. Wilsou, major L'Es-
trange, major Ruman, lieutenant L'Estrange.
The names of the officers remainina: with a di-
vision of the corps in the northern provinces of
42 CAMPAIGNS IK" SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV'.
CHAP. I.
1809.
Januarv,
Portugal, were, — colonel baron Eben, major Durs-
b;ich.
i\fajor and lieutenant L'Estrange were unfortu-
nately taken prisoners and carried to Paris; the
one reconnoiterin"- on the hrid^-e of Ecla, the other
in an affair of posts, in the plains of Salamanca.
The following shews the enemy's calculation at
one time of the strength of the legion.
jo<K>ph Buona- Qn tlic 22d of Julv, says the Moniteur, his ma-
pane's account ., ' ..
ofthep-sitionof jesty rcccived intellio-ence, from marshal duke of
the imperial >J ^y o '
army, ;md the Pelluna, tiiat tlic Euolish army had formed a
eucui^' s arm)'. ~ •'
junction between the Tagus and the Tietar, with
that of Cuesta's, while a corps of 10 or 12,000
men, commanded by general Wilson, was advancing
towards Escalona, along the right bank of the Al-
berche, the danger was imminent, and it was
necessary to take decided measures.
In proceeding to Naval Carniero, his majesty had
a two-fold object to check ; the march of general
Wilson (who endeavoured to get in the rear of the
first corps by Escalona,) and to form a junction
with marshal Belluna.
Fortune certainly favoured the exertions of the
legion, which, with the efforts of our Spanish allies,
gave a happier and more promising appearance to
the campaign.
UNDER SIR JOHN T. CRADOCK. 43
Tlie contest was resumed with additional vigour, ^^^^^f;^^'
At this time I was entrusted with the largest ^^^^^^^
<]ivision of tlic legion at the Puerte de Bainos, January.
keeping that pass in aid of general Cuesta's army:
in this we were successful, by mining the bridge,
roads, kc. &c. and for some time prevented the
junction of general Hammerstein and 10,000 men,
with the corps of Victor, in Estremadura, for which
I received general Cuesta's thanks ; and at the
same time being employed in planning, &c. &c.
the fortifications of the town of Bejar, the vaunted
residence of the dukes, the junta of Bejar presented
nie with the sword of the dukes of Bejar, as a token
of their gratitude and regard.
The nature and importance of this present will
be perceived by its inscription.
" This is the sword, accordino; to tradition, of "^^^ ^'^°^^ ^^
^ ' Bejar,
Senhor Don Diego O Unigo Lopez, a most brave
captain, who fought against the Moors, as was
seen in the miraculous battle of the Nauas de To-
loza, where he was found in the service of the king
of Navarre, his uncle, Don Sancho !
" He was the first who forced the iron chains
which king Miramolim had barricaded his camp
with ; and, in commemoration of this action, he
joined to his arms the chains, which were kept by
his descendants down to the house of Bejar, which
originated in him."
41 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK TV. T;^}^jg sword, marshal Beresforcl honoured by
CHAP. I
1809.
accepting from me ! And still more honoured is it
January. HOW, (whcrc it may well gratify even the House of
Bejar. Bcjar,) forit is, I underst and,in Carlton House !
After this, the legion united and moved to Sal-
vatierra, and Castello Branco, in Portugal, when
sir R. Wilson was ordered by marshal Beresford to
another Portuguese brigade, and the command of
the legion was conferred on me by marshal Be-
resford.
What has hitherto been said of the Lusitanian
legion, cannot be better concluded at present than
by the following brief but eloquent recapitulation
of its conduct to this period. It is a document of
accredited estimation, at Lisbon, and of date
March 1, 1809-
Account of the ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ DccCmber, one division of the
ofX Sa" legion left Oporto, in a direction towards Almeida,
with a view to occupy the attention of the French,
and cover the removal of stores from the above
place, to maintain tlie communications with the
a^ljacent provinces and sir J. Moore, then supposed
fo have no idea of abandoning the peninsula.
After a march that the best European troops
could riot have struggled through without loss and
mivjmuring, the battalions arrived at their desti-
nation without having a single straggler ; and let it
nJan legion.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 45
be observed, at the same time, it was the first march i^ o o k iv.
' ' CIl \ p. I.
thev had made after beinar embodied. Every day •^— '-v-**-^
the rain fell in torrents : continually they passed January.
1 • • , 1 1 1-11 11 Account of the
the precipices edge; or, breast-high, the swollen brave conduct
oi the Lusi-
torrents of the mountains. Cannon and waggons taaiau legion.
were drawn up steeps before deemed inaccessible to
such carriages, by manual exertion, and brought
through the rapid stream, to the imminent danger
frequently of horses and men. Sometimes, where,
from the depth, the carriages would have swam,
the wheels were taken off, and they were slidden
over on the foot-bridges. Over other bridges
which overhung the vast hills, and connected the
almost perpendicular sides of mountains, cannon,
&c. were transported, when, from the extreme nar-
rowness of the passage, half of the felly of each
wheel only had any support, and this only was that
of angular stones placed point upwards, which
formed the edge of the road. This passage was
most awful and terrific : yet under these and other
very trying circumstances, the troops marched
twenty or thirty miles a day, cheering each other
with their songs, and entered their nightly resting-
place with their spirits unflagged.
Ciudad Rodrigo became the head-quarters ; the
infantry were put in cantonments until the other
division should arrive, and arrangements could be
combined for efiective operations against the enemy.
46 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. jj;, |-|jg mean time, several excursions were made ;
CHAP. I. ' '
^^-^'^T^-^ ^ii<i a laro;e district, in a semicircle, from the Por-
1809. ^ ' '
.lanuary. tugiiesc frontier, by Salamanca, &c. was either oc-
Accoutit of the . , , . • i i ^ ^ i
brave conduct cupicd or Kcpt ni contuiual alarm, to the loss and
taniaij legion, mtcrruption of thc cncm}^, whose collections of
money, horses, and provisicms, were frequently
stopped, and their posts carried in the open day.
This continual harassing, it appears by an inter-
cepted letter from the French general, had rendered
his tenure of Salamanca precarious, and his situation
unpleasant altogether, while it had the effect of re-
viving the confidence of the peasantry, who had
thought themselves abandoned. In approbation of
this and other measures, the supreme junta have
conferred on sir R. Wilson, the rank of brigadier-
general, and placed at his disposal all the troops in
the province and garrison of Ciudad Rodrigo.
The appearance of the Spanish infantry is reported
to be equal to that of any troops, and their steadi-
ness and coolness remarkable. The few dragoons,
or cavaliers, under sir Robert's orders, thoua:li a
motley group, and rather resembling the knights
and w^arriorsofthe fifteenth and sixteenth centuries,
have, with the severe and fierce aspect, the courage
and constancy, of their ancestors. At present there
are 200, but an addition of British cavalry would
be eminently useful in the present partizan move-
ments. As yet but few have been engaged with
UNDER SIR JOirX F. CRADOCK. 47
the eneniv : vet, on all sides, their quarters and book iv.
•'•'•' ' ^ CHAP. I.
parties have been disturbed and forced back. v,-*^-^^^-^^
'■ 1809.
The disposition of the country is now excellent, January.
. . J Accftuut of the
ever read}' to point out opportunities and to en- brave conduct
. ot" the Lusi-
courage enterprize, which they enjoy; and ever tanian legioa,
willing to turn out to attract the attention of the
enemy, and give time for our patroles when pursued
by a superior force. When they perceived they
were wot flying friends wlio came to share their
danger and had resolution to defend the country,
even without the assistance of the inhabitants, and
to hold their ground in every extremity, their con-
fidence and rei^ard awoke. Sir Robert issued a Excellent pr.-
'~ cautions or ttie
proclamation, advising the peasants not to be in- ftomier army.
timidated bv the declaration of the French, that
they would put to death those who did not obey the
requisitions, as he had informed the enemy that if
that atrocious threat was executed, he would hang
a Frenchman for every Spaniard. Late in the
month of February several skirmishes took place,
and the enemy always suffered loss and retreated.
Every one now perceives the happy consequences
of sir Robert's bold and gallant resolution to main-
tain this country till the last, though at the time at
which it was taken (the period of alarm and dan-
ger,) it was considered the height of temerity. To
his devotion to the cause, may, in some degree, be
attributed the backwardness of the French in their
48 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. proceedings ao-ainst Portiioal. They have been
CHAP. I * no o J
^^•'ff^-w^^"^ confined to the walls of Salamanca, instead of
1809.
January. ravaging the country, and entering Portugal on its
brave cowhici wcak sidc. Had tliey pushed forward to Almeida,
of tlie Liisi-
taniw legion, and theucc to Porto, Roniana must have l>een cut
oif, and all the forces on this side the Douro ; but
Portugal is now defended on all sides, and the
enemy checked in his attempts on Cuesta, by the
position sir R. Wilson had just moved to in the
Sierra Francia. A few days march may carry a
British army to Madrid, for the heart of the country
is open to us. Several couriers and mails hav€
been intercepted, with important and curious de-
spatches, letters, &c. Sir Robert has addressed a
proclamation to all the foreigners in the French
army, (of whom the proportion is one half in Spain,)
inviting them to quit the standard of the tyrant
and oppressor of their respective nations, promising
gratuities and a safe asylum to those who adopt
that resolution. Above fifty came over directly,
and assured us that a battalion of 700 would follow
in a body the next week.
It should appear that the enemy's force in Spain
does not amount to a third of what the alarmists
have created, and their apprehensions of being
overwhelmed are continual. All their preparations
have retreat in view. On the appearance of a re-
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 49
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
1809.
spectable British force, these ideas will be soon ma-
nifested, and Spain once again be free.
The marquis Romana had the intention of uniting January.
himself with sir Robert's corps immediately ; but
it is no\v reported, from the late favourable ap-
pearance in Gallicia, it will not take place.
Whatever may have been the cause of the sub-
sequent fate of this corps, nothing can be more
certain than that it effected a diversion of great im-
portance to the Spanish armies, prevented the junc-
tion of a powerful force of the enemy, and even for
a time protected the frontier of Portugal in a man-
ner almost incredible.
And this, too, at a time when apprehensions in
respect to the enemy were so well founded, that sir
.John Cradock took the precaution of embarking the
heavy baggage of the army, dismantling even the
batteries of Lisbon, and making the dispositions
necessary to the evacuation of Portugal*
* Sudden as this resolution may appear in addition to other
evidence, it will be seen from the following document, included
among the papers. presented to. parliament ; that it was anticipated
bj tho.se who had the control of the campaign, when a minister
was ordered to that point to which it was probable the British
force might be successfully directed; ,,.
^ V iscount Las-
o- tlereaoh to col.
^'^* sir G.^ Smith,
Under the revenses the Spaniards have sustained, and Doj^mng-Street
* 18th Decern,
1808.
VOL. IV. E
«56 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGALj
BOOK rv.
CHAP. I.
His majesty's ministers, watchful of the success
^^_^^ of this mode of ascertaining the vaUie and steadiness
January. q^ ^\^^ Portugucse troops, notwithstanding the dis-
heartening picture afforde<l hy sir John Moore, in
his artswer to the inquiry made of him with respect
Appominieiitof ^o ^hc probabifity of creating a Portuguese force,*
gen. esior . ^^^^^^ j^^ March, major-general Bcresford to Lisbon,
"^ with more British officers, arms, and appointments,
the position the enemy now occupies at Madrid, I consider It o^
much importance to have a confidential officer stationed at Cadiz,
who knows tlie leading individuals, and can keep our naval and
military officers in that quarter informed of the events that are
passing in that important place. With this view, I am desirous,
if your health will permit of it, that you should immediately pro-
ceed in the vessel which carries this letter to Cadiz. Your own
sagacity and experience render it unnecessary for me to furnish
you with detailed circumstances for the direction of your conduct.
You will watch the events that are passing, and keep sir J. Cradock
and sir J, Moore informed of them. Mr. DufF will assist you in
explaining to him the object of your mission, as far as his means
will enable him. You will feel the delicacy of avoiding any step
which might excite jealousy or alarm ; but if such a crisis should
be approaching as may make the Spaniards desirous of receiving
Cither naval or military aid from us for the security of Cadiz, you
will lose no time in forwarding any requisition they may be dis-
posed to make to the Tagus. Proper directions should be given
to the naval and military commanders, to furnish every possible
aid in tlieir power, should it become necessary.
I have, &c.
(Signed) Castlf.reacu,
• See Book II. chap, v, ii)\.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 51
for thereor2:anization of the whole Portu2:uese arm v. ^ ^ ^ ^ i''-^-
O O „ C H A P . I .
General Beresford received his appointment under ^^^"""XT^
the prince regent of Portugal, with the rank of Jjiuuary.
field-marshal.
Events, in which the Lusitanian legion cannot
hut be allowed the most prominent share; con-
tinuing to warrant a spirited support of the war ia
tlie peninsula ; in the beginning of April, landed
at Lisbon, major-general Hill, with 6,000 British
troops, which entirely altered the military face of
affairs ; this, however, was but the prelude to uni-
versal spirit, and the most animated expressions of
joy, which announced the arrival of sir Arthur
Wellesley, (afterwards lord Wellington,) on the 22d
of the same month, appointed marshal-general of
the Portuguese troops, by the prince regent of
Portugal.
Of the exertions made on the part of Spain,
whatever the hapless nature of their results, the
second siege and capitulation (for such it must be
called,) of Saragossa, will naturally form the most
leading feature.
Saragossa capitulated on the 19th of February,
I8O9, after a defence the most glorious and ob-
stinate which occurs in modern military history.
Don Pedro Maria Ric, regent of the royal au-
e2?
52 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP I.
dience of Arragon, in an exposition, dated Fonz,*
^„^,^ the4tli of June, has given a memoir, M'hich with
1809. ^^
January. ^jj^^j ^'^,. y,y\^\c\\ this woik has becH indebted to
Siege and ca-
pituiatiunoiSa- ]\J r. Vaughan,f form memoirs quite worthy' of.
ragossa.
the subject. J On the lOtii of January, the French
began to bombard Saragossa, w itli such fury, that
tlie bravest and most intrepid men concurred in
the necessity of taking precautions, and even the
clergy suspended the administration of the sacra-
ments. By this may easily be conceived the im-
practicability which the audience experienced of
continuing its functions, since there were neither
plaintiffs nor defendants, nor subordinate officers
of the court, who had courage to remain there
during the term of audience; and at last the
members themselves were afraid, because the
building beingcontiguous to that occupied by the
general, occasioned the enemy to direct his fire
principally to that quarter; and so many bombs
and grenades fell that ultimately they consumed
that precious monument of antiquity with what-
ever it contained, except the registers and papers,
* A town in Arragon.
-J Sec Book II. c. ii. 78.
+ The origin of lliis account was first published in a weekly
patriotic publication at Seville, (Seemamrio Pniriotico) and of a'
correct translation, of which the English reader ii indebted to-
the liberal and intelligent Mr. Kuj, of the Post-Oflice.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 53
which were in the offices, and which were all ^^„^J^j^^"
tliat could he saved, notwithstanding tlie most """^^^^^^
efficacious measures. January.
Siege au(i capi-
Of Sarao'ossa, attacked so vlirorouslv, and con- tuiatiouotsura-
stantly !)omharded for forty-two days, oppressed
hy disease, and exhausted hy famine ; the fall
was inevitahle, especially without succours from
any quarter.
Saragossa had almost exceeded the limits of pos-
sibility by her unwearied fidelity and love to her
sovereign ; and affairs had reached such a deplo-
rable crisis, that, as early as the 1st of February,
persons, says Don Ric, of accredited honour
and loyalty came to suggest to me the necessity
of capitulating, in order that I should represent it
to the captain-general ; and, doubtless, according
to military rules, the city might, and ought to
have, surrendered several days before; since, be-
sides possessing nothing of a fortitied town but
the name, and even that only in the report of
strangers, the batteries, which liad been construc-
ted, M'erc demolishefl, and there were not only
open breaches, but the enemy was already among
us, occupying various points within the city. But
to surrender, when our cause was so just and neces-
sary, appeared so hartl, that I improved the charge
which the general had given me of rousing the
people, and even availed myself of some of those
•^■i CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND POIITUGAL,
'^^■Z^.i^'' ^^^^^ ^^^^'^ inclined to cajDitulate, for carrying into
isoT""^ effect the measures I judged proper, according to
January. |.]^p knowlcdo'c I posscssccl of that pcoplc, which
Siege and OHpi- ,
tuiaiioaoiSara- knowiediic also atfordcd me many ideas whicli I
proposed, and were adopted by the general with
so good an effect, that, in spite of impossibility, the
city held out till destitute of all resource. The
captain - general, being himself attacked by the
cpidemy, transferred all his authority, and civil
and military powers, to a supreme junta of govern-
ment, which he formed in the night between the
18th and 19th of Pebruary, naming me president
of it. I immediately summoned all its members,
and tbey began their functions at one o'clock in
the mornino'.
o
Nobody was ignorant of the lamentable deso-
lation of the city ; all called for a capitulation; and
although the junta saw and thought the same, it
^Endeavoured to see if it was possible to save it,
and, in duty to the king our sovereign, to accom-
plish the services it desired ; but, on investigating
the real state of affairs, there was not a heart ca-
pable of sustaining so deplorable a situation. The
chiefs of the army were called for, to give their
opinions verbally, and in writing; the major-ge-
neral of cavalry represented the impracticability of
further defence, there remaining only sixty-two
weak and unserxiceable horses, the rest havinx
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CJIADOCK. 55
died of hunger; the major- general of infantry book iv.
presented a statement of the army, by whicli it "^-^^/^^
- ' •^ 1809.
appeared tiiere were only two tliousand and eiglit January.
1111 /• r» • m^ Siege and capj
nundred and twenty-two men fit tor service. The tuiationofSai---
gossa,
commandant of artillery urged the surrender, on
account of tlie ammunition being nearly exhaust-
ed, and not having any more than was manufac-
♦tured in the inquisition, which manufacture would
vanish the moment a bomb or grenade fell there.
The commandant of engineers reporte/l the forti-
fications unserviceable, and the means of repairino*
them wanting, as there were neither men nor ma-
terials, and all the cloth which could serve for bags
of earth was consumed.*
All these chiefs not orrly gave their opinion for
the surrender of the place, but held the junta re-
sponsible to God and the king for the many lives
which were every moment sacrificed, as it was mo-
rally impossible to save the city, whose surrender
would not prevent it from returning to the domi-
nion of its legitimate sovereign, if the nation tri-
umphed over him who so unjustly oppressed it.
The junta, appalled by so melancholy a repre-
sentation, wished to hear the opinion of lieutenant-
general Don Philip San Marc, ^v'ho was one of its
members. This worthy general had so signally
* See ante, Mr. Vaughan's Narrative;, p. 12.
56 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAlN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
1809.
t
gobsa,
manifested his loyalty, valour, and niilitaiy talents,
tliat bis vote could not fail to satisfy the general-
january. jn-chief, t^]e junta, and all the people, since all
Siege and capi-
uiptionofsara- wci'c witncsscs of thosc estimable qualities; and I
should be deficient in my duty if I did not declare,
that, in m}' opinion, many and great rewards are
necessary to recompense the extraordinary merits
of Don Philip San Marc*
This discreet and brave general stated ingenu-
ousl}', that if the enemy made a general attack,
as was to be feared from the preparations which
were observable, the utter ruin of Saragossa was
inevitable, together with all that accumulation of
horror and calamity consequent on the fury with
which the French troops treat every town they
conquer, and which would be greater in that city,
on account of the wrathful hatred with which it
was viewed by them, their chiefs, and their em-
peror ; but that, if the attacks were partial, like
those they repeatedly made every day, the city
might hold out for two, or four days at most, pro-
vided that more people were furnished for defence,
and for the works ; it being understood that this
defence was to be attempted only in case of there
being well-founded expectations of speedy relief,
* Alas ! these are moments when the merit of dying for one's
country, with the sentiments whicli ought to impress every mili-
tary man, must form one's chief reward.
gosba.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 57
Since otherwise it would be hiohly reprehensible to book iv.
~ "^ •• CHAP. r.
sacrifice so many persons as j^erished daily ; the ^^—"^v-^i-^
surrender of the city being unavoidable within the January.
Skge and capi-
short term mentioned. tuiationofSara^
In order to proceed with due knowledge, the
duke of Viliahermosa went to inquire of the ge-
neral what intelligence he had respecting succours,
and as he was so seiiously ill that he could give no
account of any thing, they demanded of the secre-
tary the letters and documents he might have on
that subject, who transmitted an enigmatical scrap
of paper, necessity so requiring it, as it had had to
pass through the enemy's line : it appeared to be
from the Conde de Montijo : in it he informed the
general that himself and the duke del Infantado
wished to come to the relief of Saragossa, but
that the central junta had ordered that '' the Swiss
should go,"* and they were to fall upon Madrid.
By the Swiss, the junta understood Don Theodore
Reding; and, although the fame of this brave ge-
neral was sufficient to encourage it, it could not
rely much on his assistance, because, being in Ca-
talonia, be had to cross the Ebro, which was more
* This designation, it may, in passing, be observed, (though
it were to have been wished some other mode of writing in ci-
pher had been used amongst the naturally fertile resources
of military men,) was characteristic of the state of Spanish poli-
tics at the time.
05 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIX AND PORTUCAL,
BOOK IV. ^\^r^^^ difficult, on account of the enemy liavin^-
^'^'^^^y^^'^ possessed himself of the suburb,* thereby prevent-
jiuiuHry, ■ |-]^g passai>e ovTr the Stone Bridiiie. Another
.-.lege and capi- O I o o
tuiaiioii of Sara- l^.l^^Y was scnt by the secretary, which was from
gossa. -J -J '
Don Francisco Palafox to his brother the general
of Arragon : that zealous representative manifested,
in the most striking manner, how many and great
exertions he had in vain made to collect troops,
and that, destitute of the resources he wished for,
he was then at Tortosa assembling the peasantry
and some troops of the ganisons on the coast,
which h-e designed to reinforce with some gun-
boats that were to ascend the Ebro.
These papers were of a very anterior date ; and,
all circumstances considered, induced the belief
that the nation had suifcred misfortunes in common
with Saragossa, which prevented it from affording
relief. It was known that the brav€ and intrepid
Perena had collected a body of peasantry, but it
it was thought to be certain that they had been
defeated, as the French general had stated in his
last summons ; and besides, it was not likely that a
lx)dy of inexperienced peasants, in want of arms
and annnunition, could encounter so formidable an
army as that which besieged Saragossa.
While the junta was deliberating on the part it
* Vide Mr. Vdiighan'i Narrative, p. I.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK, 59
ought to take, the enemy renewed the bombard- ^^^^f;^^^'
ment in a tremendous manner : no one beheved ^"'"'T^^C!''*^
that tlie citv could or ought to hold out any January.
Siege and capi-
lon^er: but to all it was distressing to abandon a tuiationofSa^a-
treasure like Saragossa, which had acquired the es-
teem of all Spain, and even of all Europe '. Of
thirty-four members, who composed the juntj^,
only eight were of opinion with me that the city
should be maintained ; not because the grounds on
which the others voted were unknown, but with
the desperate resolution of braving the last danger,
in the hope that it was within the bounds of possi-
bility that some relief might arrive. It was at
length agreed to acquaint the general ^\^th the de-
})lorable state of the city, in order that lie should
send a flag of truce to the French general, request-
ing a suspension of liostilities for three days, which
he did, assigning for his object, the sending of-
ficers to ascertain the situation and condition of
our armies, and to treat for tlie surrender of the
place, according to the intelligence they might
bring.* This mode had been proposed by marshal
Lannes himself, in the above-named summons,
notwithstanding which, he replied that it oJJ'oukd
'■' This is entirely to be attributed to the unacquaintancc,. prac-
tically, of those who proposed the mode, not to the Spanish ge-
neral.
60 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN' AND PORTUGAL,
^?„??/^' him e.vceedin<ylii, and vented several threats against
CHAP* I C? o^ ' Cj
'^•^"^^^Jip*^ the city, unless it surrendered immediately — our
January. f|jjg retumcd witli a second letter, in which he was
Siege and capl- *~
tuiationofSara- reminded that the proposal came from himself, and
gosia. *
was invented hy the French, who practised in one
of the towns of Portugal — to this he- gave no other
reply than a shower of grenades, hombs, and shot;
and, at a favourable time, ordered his troops to
make the attack in several places in a manner that
was irresistible.* We lost that evening the quarter
of the Tanneries, and a part of the Strand leading
to the Stone Bridge, and the Puerta-del-Angel,
which point, if in possession of the enemy, fa-
cilitated to him the massacre of the inhabitants,
without having recourse to mines and explosions,
of which he had made use, ever since, mixed with
our troops. The acquisition of each house had cost
liini a struggle. That same evening we had the
misfortune to have four cannon spiked, which were
in the battery of the wooden bridges; and, notwith-
standing this was supposed to be treaclierously
done, it could not be ascertained, circumstances
not affording the opportunity for investigation.
General San Marc, knowing the small number
of men that remained for the defence of the city,
recjuested of me only two liundred for the points
• Nothing could be more natural or proper in a military vie\v.
UNDER Sill JOHN F. CRADOCK. 6l
attacked: I immediately took measures, which, bookiv.
' '' CHAP. I.
at another time, woukl have produced a thousand ^w^-v-'*^-^
armed peasants within a quarter of an hour, since, January.
I'll- ^ 1 1 1 1^ A*' 1 ^^^?,^ ^^^ capi-
besides, havmg that same day charged Don Miguel tuiationofSara-
gossa,
Marraco, beneficed priest of Pdar, and commis-
sioned by the general with the organization of the
peasantry, to form a reserve of a thousand armed
men, and another thousand for the works, I sent
liim an impressive note, capable of inflaming the
most lukewarm ; a similar one I addressed to Don
Mariano Cerezo, an honourable citizen, who, from
the commencement of the war, had known how
to improve his influence with the people ; a third I
sent to a priest named Laborde, who, a short time
previously, had united with several ecclesiastics
and friars, for the purpose of training anil encou-
raging the peasants; I likewise ordered tlie gen6-
rale to be beaten, in the new Tower, and profiting
by a favourable moment when the enemy was
driven by the bayonet from tlie Convent del Se-
pulchre, directed the public crier to run through
the streets, proclaiming that we contended sug-
cessfully ; and, by the sound of thetrumpetjCalling
on the people to complete, the, victory!
This ended, general San Marc came to inform
nit. that seventeen men only had joined him, which
clearly shewed the diminution of inhabitants ; and,
indeed, the few w4io remained alive were either
gUSM.
62 CAMPATGKS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. ^•^^.K Q^, atteiKlins2r those that were attacked by the
CHAP. I. ' O •/
^^-'"■"■v-"*'^ disorder. Never were tlie reports from the vari-
1809. '■
January. Q^g coiiinKUiders SO melaiicholy as on that day ;
Sic-^e and c-api- i • t r- i • m i ^ i
tuiationof^ura- oiie complaiiied or being cut oil; another that the
enemy were about to do so ; another that they had
undermined him, and m the same manner the
others ; all called for troops, ammunition, and la-
bourers, at a time when all were wanting ; in short,
the painful moment arrived when every one was
Convinced of the necessity of surrendering, since
the contrary, so far from benefiting the city, gave
greater advantages to the enemy in the effects he
would have made himself master of by entering
with fire and sword.
The junta despatched a flag of truce to marshal
Lannes, requesting a suspension of hostilities for
twenty-four hours, to negotiate the capitulation,
and, at the same time, ordered the almoners of
each parish to acquaint their parishioners with the
state of the city, and to transmit to the junta the
opinion they formed in consequence. In this si-
tuation of affairs, a French officer, said to be com-
mandant of the besieging-artillery, was brought to
me, who informed me that his general, in conse-
quence of the flag of truce, had determined that
the junta should wait upon him within two hours.
I instantly ordered it to assemble; nufl, as all the
members could not be collected with that prom|>-
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
1809.
UN£)ER SIR JOilN F. CRADOCK. 63
titude which the French ofticer desired, (who as-
sured me that, after tlie time was expired, the ge-
neral woukl not listen to us,) I resolved to proceed J*""'^;^' .
^ Siege and oapi-
with some of those who had met, leaving three or tuiation ot Sara-
gosaa.
four to acquaint the others with the result of the
tlag of truce, and to take such measures as cir-
cumstances might require.
The firing continued with vigour on both sides,
and it seemed expedient to take a trumpeter with
us to announce the parley ; hut, notwithstanding
this, the enemy's hattery at Trinitarios discharged
a royal grenade at me and my companions ; which
violation of the rights of men, I directly remon-
strated against, refusing to proceed further, unless
assurance was given that the laws of war should
be observed ; an ai<l-de-camp of the French ge-
neral, who, a little while before, had come to an-
nounce that the junta was to repair to the Casa
Blanca,* and not to the suburb, whither it had
been ordered, was immediately despatched, who
gave directions that the junta should be respected;
and, for greater security, brought an escort of in-
fantry to conduct it to the presence of marshal
Lannes.
The marshal was surrounded by general of-
* The Casa Blanca is a large " white house/' situated near
the end of the canal of Arragon, between two and three imle*
from Saragossa.
^4< CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
ficcis, and various persons of inferior rank : he re-
1809 ceived the junta with extraordinary gravity, and,
January, ^ftcr tlic usual formahtics on both sides, took some
Siege and capi-
tulation of Sara- turns about the room, treatina: it with the QTcat-
gossa. _ ' & o
est indifference, and even contempt.*
At length, addressing himself to me as presi-
dent, he began to reprove Saragossa with much
severity, enlarging on the little consideration it
deserved, especially for not having credited his
assertion when he summoned it to surrender.
I cut him short, by saying, that he disquieted
himself to no purpose, because the junta had com-
menced its sessions only on the preceding day,
and could not be responsible for what was not
under its direction : that to have surrendered, with-
out ascertaining the necessity of it, would have
been a madness w4iich the marshal himself ought
to consider as such, but that, informed of the real
state of affairs, and bearing in mind that summons
of which he made so much merit, it liad consi-
dered of a capitulation, for which purpose the.
letter he stated to have given so much offence, had
been sent by the captain-general : that this liad
been repeated, at the same time acquainting him
* This is given literally for the purpose of staling how con-
temptible is a conduct of this kind, in any of the relations of
military service whatever, when compared with that practised
by Don Ric, in opposition to this miserable French genera!.
65
B 0 0 K IV.
CHAP. IV.
1809.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK.
with the reasons for demanding a suspension of
hostilities, and that some of our officers might go
out to investigate the state of the nation : which, January.
_ ^ Siege and capi-
not having merited a reply from him, the junta miationotsara-
had of itself despatched a third flag, requesting a °
■suspension for twenty-four hours, "vrhich term was
necessary for ascertaining the will of the people,
to whom it was accountable ; because Saragossa,
which had so eminently distinguished itself in the
mode of carrying on the war, ought also to distin-
guish itself in the mode of capitulating ; since,
among all the places conquered by the Frencli,
none had been found possessing the honour, sin-
cerity, and good faith, of Saragossa ; and that,
acting on these principles, it w^as my duty to re-
present that I brought neither powers nor instruc-
tions, nor did I yet know the will of the people,
but that I supposed they would accept a capitula-
tion, if it was reasonable, and becoming the he-
roism with which the city had defended itself.*
This discourse, it appears, disarmed the mar-
shal ; since, laying aside the bitter reproaches he
had used, he said that the women and children
should be respected, and that the negotiation was
concluded. But, I replied, it was not yet begun ;
* Allhougli of a pristine aimplicity, it is scarcely possible not
to admire the manner in which this excellent patriot endeavoured
to oui-diphmaiize the subtle French officer.
VOL. IV. F
66
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAtN AND PORTUGAL,
BOO K IV
CHAP. I.
1809.
because that was surrendering at discretion, which
was very far fioni the intentions of Saragossa; and
January. j£- ^jjg niarshal insisted on that idea, he might fol-
Siege and capi-
tulation otSara^ low Up his attacks on the city, whither I should
gossa. "^
return with my companions, and continue to de-
fend ourselves, since there were yet arms, ammu-
nition, and daggers ; and, as the fortune of war
was precarious, it ^\'ould finally be seen for whom
victory declared.
He then called his secretary, and dictated the
preamble of the capitulation, and some of the ar-
ticles ; which, when read, I proposed an addition
to be made to the first, stipulating that the garri-
son should, as became it, march out with military
honours, to be stated by the major-general of in-
fantry, whom I had taken with me for that pur-
pose. Lannes would not consent to the article be-
ing expressed in any other terms than those he
had prescribed ; but promised, on his word of ho-
nour, that the garrison should not only march out
witli military honours, but that the othcers should
retain their baggage, and the soldiers their knap-
sacks. I also proposed the articles respecting re-
ligion and the laws, which were granted, though
not with the sj)ecification suggested relative to the
privileges of this kingdom.
I likewise proposed another article, by which
liberty should be guaranteed to general Don Jo-
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 67
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
1809.
seph Palafox, to go wherever lie pleased with all
his staff; the marshal replied that a particular in-
dividual never was the subject of capitulation, but January.
. _ Siege and capi-
that he pledged his word of honour, general Pa- tuiationofSara-
'^ gossa.
lafox should go wherever he wished, to Mallen, to
Toledo, — and on my saying these places would not
suit him, on account of being occupied by French
troops, whose presence could not be agreeable,
and, moreover, that I had understood he thought
of proceeding to Majorca ; Lannes gave his word
of honour that he should go to whatever place was
convenient to him.
On the same security he offered to give a pass-
port for myself, and as many as wished to leave
Saragossa, in order to avoid the contagion ; ad»
ding, that the article I proposed on this head was
U7inecessary^ as he was desirous of terminating the
capitulation, and that all who wished if might go
out.
Whilst two copies of the capitulation were
drawing up, Lannes produced a topographical plan
of Saragossa, pointing out the part which would
have been blown up that night, for which purpose
44,000 lbs. of powder were already lodged;* this
• The subterraneous war, and the horrible effects of the
mines, intluced Saragossa to surrender : not the 21,000 borabs
and grenades, which fell in the city, says the editor ; b'.i: the
68
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
January.
Siege and capi-
tulation of Sara-
gossa,
was to be followed by a bombardment from thirty
18097*' mortars and se\enty pieces of cannon, which at
that time they were mounting in the suburb ; (it
was in fact known, that a number of batteries and
embrasures had been constructed in that quarter.)
Immediately he changed his discourse, and de-
^scanted on tlie benefits lavished by the emperor and
liis brother Joseph, whose speech, in reply to that
of the auxiliary bisliop of INIadrid, he read. No-
thing could be said against the account he gave of
(heir conquests and victories, because the siege hav-
ing been so rigorous, nothing was known of what
occurred out of Saragossa. He then held out a
parcel of papers, which appeared to be French
journals, but 7iot one of the junta took or et'e?i
noticed them. Duplicates of the capitulation be-
ing signed, I withdrew with my companions, car-
rying a copy to lay before the other members of
the junta, who accepted, ratified, and signed it,
assured of the wish of the citv.*
soldier will conceive the possession of Uic plan, and the means ot
operation sufficient,
* Unfortunate city ! adds the worthy judge ; — scarcely did it
contain, in the middle of February, 4000 men capable of bear-
ing arms: the sick exceeded 14,000, others were convalescent;
the rest had died by the explosions or the destructive contagion
which devoured the inhabitants and garrison, and which origin
Slated in^ or was increased by, the want of beds, of clothing, and
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 69
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
January.
Siege and capi-
tulation of Sara-
"ossa.
The junta resolved that I should try if tlic
French general would grant some additions they '"^'^
considered necessary, which were a statement in
the capitulation of the honours of war, v/hich, on
his word, he had promised to the garrison ; since,
otherwise, they would not be mentioned in the
gazettes, v/here the written capitulation only ap-
pears. It was also required that the peasants, who
had been compelled to take arms, in order to form
temporary corps, should not be prisoners of war,
since they ought not to be considered as regular
soldiers, and, besides, would be a severe loss to
manufactures and agriculture.
Lastly, on the petition of the clergy, an addi-
tional article was solicited, stipulating the punctual
payment of their revenues from the funds assigned
by the government ; which, to the junta, appeared
very {)roper, as, without it, the clergy would be re-
duced to incHgence ; and as, in fact, they have been,
not receiving any dues except those arising from
funerals.
But hardly had I begun my proposals, in terms
which neither could or ought to have oifended any
one, when marshal Lannes flew into a violent rage,
and snatching the paper from me, threw it behind
of food, m which condition the soldier saw himself from the
commencement of the siege.
70 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
him into the fire, of which action it appears one of
^g^^ his generals was ashamed, since he stooped to res-
January. ^,^^^ jj- ^^om tllC flamCS.*'
Siege and capi- Lanncs stronelv insisted on the prompt surren-
tulation of Sara- . . .
gossa, (ler of the city; and I, with the rest of the junta,
returned to it, after having requested, that, as the
capitulation had been ratified, the corresponding
copy should be delivered to us, which was done.
It seems that they M'ell knew our honour and
magnanimity ; for, before the surrender took place,
several French officers and soldiers entered in search
of wine, and to walk about the city, and were re-
ceived in a manner answerable to the capitulation,
in the expectation that they would on their part
observe it as they ought ; but, so far from that, they
began that night the most atrocious pillage ima-
ginable, continuing it with such effrontery, that the
day following they robbed publicly, and without
the least reserve il their licentiousness went still
* In the whole compass of antient or modern history, there is
not a fact more simple or illustrative than this in a military or
political view.
t In respect to the garrison, an order was communicated on
the 22d, by general Frere, for all the officers to quit Saragossa
within twenty-four hours, under pain of being shot if they re-
mained after that time ; this was obeyed by those who were still
there ; uniting themselves to the column of the other prisoners of
the garrison, which amounted to about 2300 men, aud was es-
corted by a French regiment under the command of general
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 71
further, since the governor, whom they had placed ^ook iv.
in Saragossa, having ordered the metropolitan chap- ^^^.^^^
ter, prelates, curates, &c. to go and compliment January,
, I'l n • ^ n r ii Sieee and capi-
tne marshal, which was faithfully performed; the tuiationoiswa-
gossa.
most painfully-cruel violations followed : the curate
of San Lorenzo, was rohhed of his gown, in the
Plaza del Carmen, a friar of his hood, and another
priest of his cape, tearing from him even his shoes.
I ceased not from making repeated and strong re-
monstrances ; but either I received no answer, or
was told that the evil was unavoidable, because the
troops had to indemnify themselves for the plunder
they looked upon as certain, and which they would
hav'e had the next day ; but in my opinion, and that
of many others, they stole, particularly mules, in
concert with the French generals : since redress
could not be obtained, notwithstanding that many
times restitution of the mules was demanded before
the completion of the robbery ; and a Frenchman,
from whom they had stolen twelve, succeeded, on
account of being a Frenchman, in getting tlicni re-
stored ; but with the hint that one of them was
adapted for the coach of the general-in-chief, to
whom he had to present it. They took possession
Morlot; marching over 270 dead bodies of the prisoners taken
in the suburb on the 18th, whom the barbarians had immolated,
because fatigue and weakness prevented tho^c unfortunate men
from keeping up with their rapid march.
72 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
"^^iiA?!^^' of the public funds, plundered the magazines even
^^-*'^|^jj^^^ of the army, and introduced into the city confusion
January. ^^^\ cijsorder, at the same time that they wished to
Siege and capi-
tulation of Sara- be treated with kindness and attention.
gossa.
They demanded of me* 50,000 pair of shoes,
8,000 pair of boots, and 1,200 shirts, the whole
new ; a large quantity of medicines, with every re-
quisite for a hospital ; an service of china for general
Junot, and that a tennis-court should be fitted up
where he might play. Several officers demanded
table-equipage and linen ; even curtains, pens,
. paper, &c. &c. there not being a single article which
they did not exact, with injunctions that it might
be good and abundant, and, above all, at the ex-
pense of the unhappy Spaniards.
It may easily be inferred how much 1 had to dis-
pute and suffer, in order to avoid these exorbitant
demands, which would for ever have completed the
ruin of Saragossa, and of this unfortunate kingdom.
I contended with firmness against maintaining the
chiefs of the French army, who so eagerly wished
to support their pompous titles at the cost of others,
till, after several debates, they tlireatrned me with
sending in a squadron of hussars, to w hich I re-
• These details are not copied here citlicr in a military or po-
litical view, but that it may be seen how highly superior is an
English command on ?uch an occasion.
UXDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 73
plied that well they might, since the gates of the ^^^fj^'
city were demolished and in their power; but, that ^"^'^T*^
the nation would avenge the outrage, and from JaHuary.
1 1 111 r r S'*"g^ ^'"^ capi-
tnat moment they would not advance a root or tuiationofSara-
ground without first moistening it with French
blood. A member of the junta, who ought to
have shuddered at the discourse, had the weakness
to promise that the junta should take upon itself
the expense from the following day. How it con-
trived to bear such enormous profusion I know not,
because I returned to my house, as I designed, from
the day of the capitulation, lliere demanding the
liberty of going where I pleased, as has been said ;
and having moreover determined to resign my em-
ployments, I had the satisfaction of obtaining my
wishes, the French having reinstated, in the post of
regent, my predecessor.* restoring me to that of
'* Don Joseph de Villa y Torre, who was confirmed in the
functions of regent of the audience, by a decree of Junot, dated
the 26th of INIarch, and inserted in the Saragossa gazette of the
30th idem. On the same day, the 26di, this intrusive governor
of the kingdom nominated don Mariano Dominguez, corregidor
of Saragossa and its district, adding shortly afterwards the ap-
pointment of commissary-general of police, the duties at^ pre-
rogatives of which are specified in another decree of the 17lh of
April ; in this he assigns for the expenses of the police the duty
of one quarto on every pound of meat sold, and 16 reals on each
lamp, in addition to the duties already appropriated to them.
Thus did a French general, in the centre of a kingdom which they
iuppose independent in the person of Joseph, alter and new-model
gossa.
-^"^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
auditor, and having officially renounced that also,
^gQ as they understood it, since all the members were
January. summoued except myself.*
Siege and capi- ' ''
tuiarion of Sara- It would tire the attention too much to relate all
that occurred respecting passports, and various
other subjects, wherein the chiefs and others of the
French army proved their meanness, their extrava-
gant ideas, their avarice, bad faith, and, above all,
their pride, which is their predominant vice, and in
which they chiefly differ from the rest of mankind,
each one appearing a Lucifer clothed in blue, and
llie government ; by his own authority, imposed taxes ; in a |W)rd,
excercised all the attributes of sovereignty, and loaded with new
extortions the wretched inhabitants who occupied the ruins of Sa-
ragossa. Junot left us yet another monument of his legislative
talents, and of the mild administration with which he endeavoared
to suppress the noble and patriotic efforts of the invincible Arra-
gonesc. In a decree, inserted in the same gazette of the SOtli of
March, he speaks thus, " The carrying of arms being wholly
prohibited in the kingdom of Arragon, the inhabitants who shall
be found with muskets or any fire-arms whatsoever will be con-
sidered as brigands and assassins, and tried by a military commis-
sion." The subsequent armaments of Arragon, and the glorious
energy with which it still resists the French yoke, shew clearly
how much attention those brave Spaniards have paid to the
furious and barbarous threats of the Duke of Ahrantes.
* Tlie members of the audience, who, having been out of Sara-
gossa during the siege, voluntarily returned to that capital, called
by the French governor, and who remain in it, having taken the
oath of fidelity to Joseph Napoleon are Ruiz de Celada, Quintana,
Pastoret, JMarch, and Rlcgo; according to the last official ac-
counts.—£<i/<or.
gossa.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK.. 75
covered with eagles, almost all of them being thus ^^jf^J"/^'
dressed ; but I ouo-ht not to omit statinsr, that, not- '>«-*'-v-*»-'
withstanding that word of honour given to our .Tanuary.
general, don Joseph Palafox, he was immediately tuiJiionoiS^ri
made a prisoner, surrounded by French, and desti-
tute of necessary food; for although I remonstrated,
both verbally and by writing, against such treat-
ment, 1 could only obtain ver}' scanty relief, and soon
afterwards he was carried towards France ; but they
were obliged to return with him on account of the
illness he laboured under, from which he had not
recovered when they tore him away from the toun.
It was said that they had put to death father Basi-
lius de Santiago, who was his first master, and that
the same fate befel Presbyter don Santiago Sass,
for whom the general had a particular esteem,
owing to the bravery w^ith which he had behaved
during the war : the fact is, that the French took
them by means of an alcaide mayor, (chief magis-
trate,) and they have never been seen since.
Although I have the satisfaction of having in
great measure restrained French ferocity, by adopt-
ing: means suited to circumstances, and the cha-
racter of the people I had to deal with, 1 could not
prevent the removal of the principal jewels belonging
to our Lady of Pilar, which by order of the mar-
shal were carried to the Casa Blanca, and returned
again, with the specious pretext, that they wished to
76 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^??,^ }^' ^^ake an offering oC them to Ma7ia Santissima, and
to worship her with the greatest splendour, es-
pecially on the day of the marshal's entry; but,
Siege and capi-
tniationofSara- soon afterwards, the governor sent forme to wait
gossa. _
upon him, accompanied by a member of the junta,
who understood the French language : he did not
explain the object of this order, nor could I go, on
account of being ill, but the member of the junta
having gone, he told him that it was necessary to
make a present to the principal officers of the army,
intimating the sum or value of about eighty thou-
sand dollars, for the commander-in-chief, and in
the same proportion for the rest.
This shock was terrible to a town like Saragossa,
particularly at a time when all was misery, deso-
lation, and wretchedness ; the metropoHtan chapter
continuing its great services in favour of the king
and the people, and desirous of ransoming these from
farther troubles at the expense of any sacrifice
whatsoever, afforded the means of surmounting the
diflficulty, by bestowing the jewels that might be
requisite, from our Lady of Pilar, which in every
respect were considered as very insecure from
French rapacity ; some members of the said chap-
ter and of the junta conveyed the resolution to
me, and I hiid to carry into effect the measures
agreed to by them ; but not one of the French ge-
nerals accepted the jewel assigned him ; and the
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 77
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
affair terminated in ordering me to remain in my
house, and that one member only of the junta
should o-o with the jewels to the French governor, „. January,
ty J o ' ijiege and c
where a commissuy, who occasionally acted as in- *"'^^o" of Sara
tendant,met him ; and, taking the jewels, proceeded
with the member to the church of Pilar, to carry-
away the remainder, marshal Lannes, as was re-
ported, retaining the whole.
The two or three times that I waited on tbc
marshal, in order to tender the resionation of mv
employments, and treat of public concerns, I was
never received; and it seems that on the day of
his entry into Saragossa, he did not wish even to
hear me, notwithstanding the attachment Mhicli
the French have for harangues, since the above-
mentioned commissary informed me, before-hand,
that he would address the marshal in my name, so
that I had not to speak a word^
Saragossa contended for sixty-two days, in the
midst of the melancholy events which internally
oppressed her ; exhibiting one of the most heroic
examples that have ever been given by men. Not
so with those who, against an open city, with na-
tural and weak defences, employed subterraneous
warfare, the last recourse for subduing a city, un-
conquerable by other means. More than thirty
thousand soldiers, the flower of our armies, one
78 CAMPAIGNS IX SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. hvmdred and sixty pieces of artillery, sixty tliou-
'^-^^z'^*^ sand muskets, all was lost with Sarai^ossa; five
1809.
January. Inuidred officcrs lie beneath those venerable rums.
tubtioucisara- So many sacrifices, such enormoiafs losses of houses
^"^ and property, besides the lives of numberless in-
habitants, which have left the streets of that august
capital desert, delivered the southern provinces of
Spain from the invasion of the enemy, and will
ever cause the name of Saragossa to be pronounced
with enthusiasm and aifection, by patriots of all
ages and countries.
Saragossa ! a name of terror, of shame, of re-
proach, to that monster who thought himself om-
nipotent I — A name of example to every town iii
Spain. In thy ashes and ruins ; in thy stately
edifices, shattered by bombs or blown up by mines;
in thy streets, drenched with French blood; in thy
cemeteries, which inclose as many heroes as dead
bodies there ; — there, and not in the obsolete ac-
counts of Sparta, of Athens, and of Rome, is where
should in future be sought the sacred fire of liberty ;
where should be cherished the flame of patriotism,
and where the whole world should learn lessons of
sacrifice, fidelity, and greatness.
Thus fell Saragossa ! and thus did the French
government announce the acquisition it had made.
The bulletin confirms, in every material respect,
UNDEK SIB JOHN F. CRADOCK. 79
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I
the preceding account ; and, if possible, goes far
ther in exhibiting its own armies altogether in th(
most disreputable point of view. Jaauarj.
Paris, Mh March, 1 8O9.
Saragossa has surrendered! the calamities which buiietinofthe
have befallen this unhappy town are a terrifying *^""^ "^ ^'^"'
example to the people. The peace which has been
restored in Saragossa, extends to the whole of
Arragon ; and the two armies which were around
the town have been set at liberty. Saragossa was
the centre of the insurrection of Spain ; it was in
this town that the party was formed, which wished to
call in a prince of the house of Austria to reign on
the Tagus. The individuals of this party had
partly inherited tliese notions, which were irre-
coverably destroyed, from their ancestors during
the war of the succession.
The battle of Tudela was won on the 23d of No-
vember; and, after the 27th, the French army was
encamped at a small distance from Saragossa ; the
people of this town were armed, the peasants of
Arragon had repaired thither, and Saragossa con-
tained fifty thousand men, formed into regiments
of one thousand, and companies of one hundred;
the general othcers and subalterns, consisted of
monks. A body of ten thousand men, who had
escaped from Tudela, had thrown themselves into •
so
•CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND POUTUGAI-,
BOOK TV,
CHAP. I.
1809.
army of Spain.
tlie town, which was furnished with provisions
heaped up in innumerable magazines, and defended
angary- ijy i-^yo hunched pieces of cannon. The image of
buiie'tin ot the our Ladv of Pihir wrought miracles at the will of
the monks, who, by such means, animated the zeal
and preserved the confidence of the multitude. In
the field, these fifty thousand men would not have
withstood three regiments ; but, shut up in their
town, and wrought upon by the leaders of parties,
how could they escape the miseries which ignorance
and fanaticism heap upon the heads of so many
wretches? Every thing possible was done to en-
lighten them, and bring them to reason. Im-
mediately after the battle of Tudela, the belief
entertained at Saragossa that Madrid held out, and
that they might be relieved ; and that the armies
at Somosierra, Guadarrama, Estiiemadura, Leon,
and Catalonia, might furnish a pretext for the
chiefs of the insurgents to keep alive the fana-
ticism of the inhabitants. It was resolved not to
surround the town, but to permit it to main-
tain a communication with all Spain, in order that
they might be informed of the annihilation of the
Spanish armies, and of the circumstances which
attended the entrance of the French into Madrid :
but all this intelligence came to the ears of the
ringleaders alone, and was unknown by the body
of the people. The truth was not only concealed
UNDER SIR ,10HN F. CRADOCK.
81
from them, but their courage was kept up by lies: ^^^^f ]J'
at one time, the French had lost forty thousand ^"^^^J^^^**^
men before Madrid :— at another time, Romana had ^^.•'^''""^•
entered France, and the French eai^les were com- French
' ^ bulletin ot the
pclled to fly before the teirible leopard. This army of Spain.
period, sacrificed to political ol^jects, in order to
allow a multitude to come to reason, who were in-*"
fatuated by fanaticism, and a terror inspired by their
eniaged leaders, was not lost to the French army.
The general of engineers, Lacoste, aid-dc camp
of the emperor, and an officer of the greatest
merit, collected, at Alagon, tlie materials and in-
struments for mini no;, in order to carry on the
subterraneous zvar^' which the emperor had com-
manded. The general of division, Dedon, who
commanded tlie artillery, collected a great quantity
of mortars, bombs, and howitzers, of every calibre ;
all these were brought from Pampeluna, seven days
march from Saragossa. In the mean while, it was
observed, that the enemy had availed himself of
this delay, in order to fortify Monte Torrero, and
• Though it were certainly not to be wished that the British
mode of warfare should be changed to that which is here ex-
hibited ; )etit is extremely desirable that these operations should
enter more into contemplation of the British army than at present.
In them it is deficient in an unaccountable degree when the
numerous mines of this country are considered; similar to this is
the defectiveness of our commissariat in a commercial nation.
VOL. IV. «
82 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^Z?Af. !^' ^^^^^^ Strong posilions. On the 20tb of December,
'^"^^^^^'^^ the division of Sachet droxe him from the heights
January. of San Lambcrto, and from two outworks, which
Thirty-third
French werc within reach of the town. The division of
bulktin of the
anuyoi Spain, general Gazan, drove the enemy from the heights
of San Gregorio, and, with the 21st regiment of
light infantry, and the 100th regiment of the line,
took the refloubts whicli were thrown up in the
suburb, and defended the roads of Sueva ^nd Bar-
celona. He also made himself master of a great
laboratory, near Galliego, in which five hundred
Swiss had entrenched themselves. On the same
day the duke of Cornegliano made himself master
of the works and position of Monte Torrero ;
he took all tlie cannon, made a great number of
prisoners, and did great injury to the enemy. The
duke of Corneghano being sick, tlie duke of Abrau-
tes came, at the beginning of January, and took
command of the third division : he signalized his
arrival by taking the monastery of San Josef, and
pursued his advantages on the l6th of January, by
taking the bridge of La Hueba, where his troops
fixed themselves; the chief of battalion, Stahl, of
the 14th regiment of the line, distinguished him-
self in the attack on the monastery of San Josef,
and the lieutenant, Victor tie Baffon, was first in
the assault. -The circumvention of Saragossa was
not yet resolved upon ; that was considered as in-
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 83
expedient; and a free communication was still left book rv.
i ^ CHAP. I.
open, in order that the insurs-ents mio-jit be in- *>«-''^v-'«^
formed of the defeat of the English, and their January.
infamous flight out of Spain. It vv^as on the l6th French^ '"^
/>, , ^„, ,. . . bulletin of the
ot January that the English were driven mto the armyofSpam.
sea at Corunna, and it was on the 26th that the
operations before Saragossa were seriously begun.
The duke of Montebello* arrived there on the 20th,
in order to assume the command of the siege. As
soon as lie was assured that the intelligence which
was brought into the town had no effect, and that
a few monks governed the minds of the people, he
resolved to put an end to these indulgences ; fifty
thousand peasants were collected on the left bank
of the Ebio ; at Pardiguera, the duke of Treviso
attacked them with three regiments, and, notwith-
standing the fine position they possessed, the 64 th
regiment routed them, and threw them into dis-
order; the 10th regiment of hussars was on the
plain to receive them, and a great number remained
upon the field of battle* Nine pieces of cannon,
and several standards, were the trophies of this
victory. At the same time the duke of Monte-
bello had sent the adjutant-commandant, Guesquet,
to Zuera, in order to disperse an assemblage of in-
surgents; this of^cer attacked four thousand of
* Lannes.
Cr Si
^■* CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I,
them with three battalions, overthrew them, and
took four pieces of cannon, with their carriages
and Iiorses. General Vattier was at the same time
riurty-third
French sent with tliree hundred infantry and two liundred
bulletin of the ''
army ot Spain, cavahj towards Valencia; he met five thousand
insurgents at Alcaniz, compelled them, even in the
town, to throw down their arms ; in their flight he
killed six thousand men, and seiztid magazines,
provisions, and arms ; among the latter were on«
hundred English muskets. The adjutant-comman-
dant. Carrion Nizos, conducted himself gloriously
at the head of a column of infantry. Colonel
Burthe, of the 4th regiment of hussars, and the
chief of battalion, Camus, of the 28th regiment of
light Infantry, distinguished themselves. These
operations took place between the 20th and 26th
of January. On the 26th, the town was seriously
attacked, and the batteries were unmasked, and at
noon on the 27th the breach was practicable in
several places ; the troops were lodged in the mo-
nastery of Santa Engracla. The division of
Grandjean entered some thirty houses. The co-
lonel Calolscki, and the : soldiers of the VVeixel,
distinguished themselves : at the same moment the
general of division, IMorlat, In an attack upon the
left wing, made himself master of the whole fore-
ground of the enemy's defence. Captain Guet-
temar, at the head of the pioneers and thirty-six
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 85
grenadiers of the 44th regiment, had, with a rare
intrepidity, ascended tlie breach. Mr. Babieski,
* *" 1809.
an officer of the Voltigeurs of the Weixel, a young January.
1 • 1 Thirtv-lhird
man 17 years or age, and covered with seven French
bulletin of the
wounds, was tlie first who appeared upon the army of Spain.
breach. Tlie cliicf of battahon, Lejeune, aid-de-
camp to the prince of Neufchatel, distinguished
himself, and received two slight wounds; tlie chief
of battahon, Haxo, is also shgluly wounded and
likewise distinguished himself. On the 30th, the
monasteries of the Monique and the Greek Au-
gustines were occupied. Sixty houses were pos-
sessed by undermining. The miners of tlie 14th
regiment distinguislied tliemselves. On the 1st of
February, general Lacosta received a ball, and died
in the field of honour ; he was a brave and dis-
tinguished officer ; he has been lamented b}- the
whole army, but more especially by the emperor.
Colonel Regniat succeeded him in the command of
the engineers, and in the management of the siege.
The enemy defended every house : three attacks
were made by mines, and every day several houses
were blown up, and afforded the troops an oppor-
tunity of stationing themselves in other houses.
Thus we proceeded to the Cozo, (a great street nearh'
in the centre of Saragossa) where we made our-
selves Blasters of the buildings, of the public school
and university. 'J1ie enemy endeavoured to op-
86 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. pQgg miners to miners : but, less used to this sort of
CHAP. I. * ' '
^—"'^v"''*'^ operation, their miners were every day discovered
January. ^ud suffocated. This mode of besieoins; rendered
Thirty-third . .
French its progress slow, but sure and less destructive to
bulletin of the /-> • i
army of Spain, tlic amiy. While three companies of miners and
St'ent"orTub^ eio-^if companies of sappers carried on this subter-
iations oTthr* I'aneous War, the consequences of which were so
French army, (^^eadful, the firc Oil the towu was kept up by mor-
tars. Ten days after the attack had begun, the
surrender of the town was anticipated ; the army
had possessed itself of one third of the houses and
fortified itself in them. The church which con-
tained the image of our Lady of Pilar, which by so
many miracles had promised to defend the town,
was battered down by bombs and no longer in-
habitable. The duke of ]\lontebello deemed it
necessary to take possession of the left bank of the
river, in order that his fire might reach the middle
of the town. The general of division, Gazan,
made himself master of the bridge by a sudden and
impetuous attack on the morning of the 17th
(February) ; a battery of fifty pieces was played oif
at three o'clock in the afternoon ; a battalion of the
SSth regiment attacked and took possession of a
very large monastery, the walls of which were of
brick, and from three to four feet thick. General
Gazan then repaired with rapidity to the bridge,
over v/hich the insurgents matie their retreat to the
UNDER SIR JOHH F. CRAOOCK. 87
towti ; he killed a vast number, made four thousand ® J?^^^ ]^'
prisoners, amongst whom were two generals, twelve '^'^'^''^j***^
colonels, nineteen lieutenant-colonels, and two January-
Tliirt^'-third
hundred and thirty officers. He also took thirty Frencii
^ "^ bullednofthe
pieces of artillery. Nearly all the troops of the ^rmj of Spain.
line in the town had beset this important part,
which had been threatened since the 10th. At
the same moment the duke of Abrantes entered
the Cozo through the several covered ways, and by
means of two small mines blew up the extensive
buildings of the Schaals. After these events, ter-
ror spread throughout the town ; the junta, in
order to precure delay and obtain time to abate the
terror of the inhabitants, sought a parley ; but their
bad faith was known, and this artifice was useless.
Thirty other houses were possessed by undermining
or by mines. At length, on the 21st of Februar}'
the whole town was possessed by our troops. Fif-
teen thousand infantrv and two thousand cavalry
laid dovv'n their arms at the gate of Portillo, and
forty flags and one hundred and fifty pieces of
cannon were delivered up. The insurgents lost
twenty thousand men during the siege, tliirteen
thousand were found in the hospitals ; five hun-
dred died daily.
The duke of Montebello would allow no capitu-
lation to the towii of Saragossa. He only published
the following provisions :
88 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK rv.
CHAT- I.
1809.
" The garrison shall, at noon, on the 21st lay
clown their arms at the gate of Portillo, where they
January. g]-,^|| yewcim prisoners of war. Those of the troops
Thirty-third ^ ^ *
French of thc line, who are willino; to take the oath to
bulletin of the ^ '^
armyofspaiu King Joscph, may be allowed to enter into his
service. In case this entrance shall not be per-
mitted by the minister of war to King Joseph, they
shall be prisoners of war, and sent to France. The
worship of God shall be reverenced. All the ar-
tillery and ammunition of every kind shall be de-
livered up. All the arms shall be deposited at the
doors of the different houses, and collected by the
respective alcaides."
The magazines of corn, rice, and fruit, which
have been found in the town, are very considerable.
The duke of JMontebello has nominated general
Laval, governor of Saragossa. A deputation of the
priesthood and different inhabitants has set out for
Madrid. Palafox is dangerously ill ; he was the
object of contempt of the whole hostile army,
who accused him oj arrogance and meanness. He
was never seen where there was any danger. The
Conde de Fuentes, grandee of Spain, who had been
arrested by the insurgents two months ago on his
estates, was found in a dungeon of eight feet
square, and released ; no idea can be formed of the
miseries he had undergone.
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 89
If any thins: were wantins; to render this memoir ^^ook iv.
•^ ~ i^ CHAP. I.
or bulletin contemptible, nothina: could effect it, as ^-^^.-'^fc^
!■'!=> ' 1809.
a powerful decree, more completely than this January.
personal abuse of the brave Palafox.
To abuse an enemy, is surely one of the last
resources of meanness ; to resort to falsehood for
the purpose, something, for which there is yet no
expression in language.
On the subiect of this slorious and important Gioriotradc
*f ^ » crce on the iall
example to the Spanish cause, it is impossible not ofSaragossa.
to add the following worthy recognizance of the
Body, executing the supreme authority of the
state.
Decree on the Surrender of Saragossa.
'* Spaniards ! — The only boon which Saragossa
implored of our unfortunate king, when at Vic«
toria a mark of roval favour was, tendered, was
that she should, among the Spanish cities, be the
first sacrificed in his defence. You do not want,
nor does Europe want, to recollect this generous
incident, in order to add motives of interest and
admiration in favour of that illustrious city. But
when we behold the grand sacrifice actually ofi^ered
upon the altars of loyalty and patriotism, the
mind swells whilst it looks back upon the fearful
90 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAIv I.
and sublime path of immortality and glory, which
1809 ^^^ ^^^" opening upon Saragossa.
January. u ]\^j()j.g |.}^^j^ j-^y.^ nioHths of this most san^uin-
Glorions de-
cree on the fall arv and cvuel siege had passed away ; nearly all
ol Saragossa. " o i j ^ j
the edifices were destroyed, and the rest were un-
dermined ; the living were exhausted, and pro-
visions were consumed; more than 16,000 sick
were struggling with a sharp and mortal disease,
which hurried every day hundreds to the grave ;
the garrison was reduced to less than a sixth part ;
the general was dying of the contagion ; his se-
cond, O'Neille, had already perished ; and St.
Marc, upon whom the command next devolved,
was also sick, and weakened by a fever. All these
things were requisite, Spaniards, to make Sara-
gossa yield to the rigour of fate, and suffer herself
to be occupied by the enemy. The surrender took
place on the 20th of last month, on the same con-
ditions upon which the French have entered other
towns, and M'hich have been kept as usual. It is
thus the enemy was able to take possession of
those glorious precincts, incumbered with pros-
trate edifices and temples, ami peopled only by the
dying and the dead, where every street, every
ruin, every wall, every stone, seemed mutely to
say to the beholder, Go and tell my king, that Sa-
ragossa, faithful to her word, Iras sacrificed herself
with joy, displaying her loyally !
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 91
BOOK IV.
CHAP. I.
" A series of events, as mournful as they are
notorious, frustrated all the exertions which were ^^^^
made to relieve the city ; but the imaginations of J'^u^r^-
G lorious de-
all the o^ood, fixed upon her lot, accompanied her cree on the fail
^ ' * '1 of Saragoisa.
defenders in all their dangers, fought with them all
their combats, compassionated their privations and
labours, and attended them in all the terrible vi-
cissitudes of their fortune ; and when at last the
means failed them of continuing a resistance,
which they had prolonged almost beyond belief,
the intelligence of the disaster has so afflicted
every heart, that, in the first moment of anguish,
it seemed as if the torch of liberty were at once
extinguislied, and the column of independance
overthrown.
" But, Spaniards, Saragossa is still standing, and
lives in imitation and in example; she survives still
in public spirit, which is ever imbibing lessons of
valour and constancy from energies so heroic ; for
who is the Spaniard, proud of that name, who
would be less than the brave Saragosans, and not
seal the proclaimed liberty of his country, and his
promised fidelity to his king, at the cost of the
same perils and the same labours? Let vile ego-
tists, and men without courage, be alarmed at
these, but not the other towns of Arragon, who
are ready to imitate and deliver their capital — not
the firm and loyal patriots who behold in that town
9^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGALj
^?H^^i!^' a- model to imitate, a vengeance to take, and the
^^^^^^^^ sole path of conquest. Forty thousand French-
january. j^^g„^ ^^,|-,q j^^^g pcrlshed beforc the feeble walls
Glorious de-
cree on the fall whicli defended Saraoossa, cause France to deplore
ot baragossa. "^ *^
the barren and ephemeral triumph she has gained,
and evince to Spain that three towns, of equal
constancy and resolution, will save the country
and disconcert her tyrants. Valour springs from
valour ; and when the unhappy, who have suffered
there, shall hear that their fellow-citizens, follow-
ing them in the paths of glory, have been more
favoured by fortune, they will bless their destiny,
however hard, and look forward with joy to new
triumphs.
" Europe, reflecting on the circumstances of
this singular event — estimating the means of de-
fence, and those of attack — and comparing the
resistance which Saragossa made to the ravagers of
the world, with that which was exhibited by for-
tifications of the first rank — will determine to whom
belongs the palm of valour, and whether they are
the vanquished who tore it from the conquerors.
Time passes away, and days will come when those
desolating earthquakes will subside with which
the genius of iniquity has tormented the earth ;
the friends of virtue and loyalty will then come to
the shores of the Ebro, to visit those majestic
ruins; and, contemplating them with admiration
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CilADOCK. 93
BOOK IV,
CHAP. I.
and envy, will say, " Here stood that town wliich,
in modern aws, realised, or even excelled, those
=• ' ' 1809.
antient prodigies of self-devotion and constancyj January.
" Glorious de-
which are scarcely credited in history." At first, creeontheiaii
of Saragos«a,
without a single regiment, or other defence than a
weak wall, or other resources than the energies of
its inhabitants, it dared to provoke the rage of the
tyrant, and twice withstood the in}pulse of hit
conquering legions. The subjection of this open
and defenceless town cost France more blood, more
tears, and more deaths, than the conquest of whole
kingdoms. It was not French valour which sub-
dued it, but a deadly and universal contagion,
which deprived its defenders of their strength ;
and the enemy, when he entered the city, tri-
umphed over a few who were dying and diseased,
but he did not vanquish warriors, or conquer citi-
zens.
" These considerations of merit, gloiy, and pub-
lic enthusiasm, have induced the supreme junta of
of government to pass the following decree : —
Royal Decree of His Majesty.
*' His majesty, our sovereign, Don Ferdinand
VH. and in his name the supreme junta of govern-
94 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^CH^A?. ]^' "^^"^ considering that the services rendered to the
^"^Q^^*^ country ouglit to be estimated more from valour
January, and sacrificc than from the issue, vvhicli often de-
Glorious de-
cree on the fall pends upon fortune; considering that Saragossa
cf Saragossa.
was not only not impregnable, but, in reference to
military rules, was not even capable of defence,
and that it has, notwithstanding made a defence,
such as no fortress, however strong, can boast of;
and that honours and rewards, whicli are granted
to a people who have deserved so well of their
country, are, with respect to those who have pe-
rished, the just reward of their valour and martyr-
dom; with respect to those who have survived, a
motive of consolation and resource necessary to
abate the rigour of their calamity ; and, with re-
spect to others, a powerful stimulus to follow their
example; knowing that Saragossa will, in the me-
mory of Spaniards, be an ever-flowing spring of
heroic actions and civic virtues, which are to save
the state from the desolating tempest ; estimating,
as is due, the singular gloiy which results to the
Spanish nation from the admirable defence this
city has made, as precious in the eyes of virtue
and patriotism as the most glorious victory ; and
desiring, finally, as a mark of the high estimation
in which he holds Saragossa and its inhabitants, to
grant a testimony of its merit as singular and as
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 9S
great as the deserts it treats of, has been pleased to ^'^^J^^}^'
decree as follows : — ^"""Tsm^'^
January-
Glorious dc-
" 1. That Sarao'ossa, its inhabitants, and f^arri- creeonthefaii
^ ofSaragoisa.
son, have deserved well of their country, in an
eminent and heroic degree.
" 2. Tliat as soon as the worthy and brave cap-
tain-general of Arragon shall be restored to liberty,
for the obtaining of which no means shall be
spared, the junta, in the name of the nation,
will grant him that reward which will be most
worthy of his invincible constancy and ardent pa-
triotism.
" 3. That every officer en^ployed in the siege be
promoted one degree, and that every soldier pos-
sess the rank and pay of a serjeant.
" 4. That all the defenders of Saragossa, and
its inhabitants and their heirs, enjoy personal no-
bility.
" 5. That all the widows and orphans of those
who have perished in the defence, enjoy a pension
suited to their rank and circumstances.
" 6. That the having been w^ithin the walls du-
ring the siege, be considered as a claim, on occa-
sion, of pretensions to future employment.
" 7. That Saragossa be free from all contribu-
tions, for the term of ten years from the date of
the peace.
9S CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGALj
^oi^.^/.^' " ^- That, at that period, the rebuilding of the
^-'"J^v^^*^ public edifices be begun M'ith all possible magnifi-
january. ccHce, and at thc expense of the state.
Glorious de- .
cceo on the fall '^ 9. That a monuiTient be erected m the square
of the city, in perpetual memory of the valour or
its inhabitants, and its glorious defence.
" 10. That in the squares of all the cities in
the kingdom an inscription be erected, containing
the most heroic circumstances of the two sieges
which Saragossa has sustained.
•' 11. That a medal be struck in its honour, as a
testimony of national gratitude for such eminent
services.
" 12. That to every city of Spain, which shall
resist a like siege with like constancy and tenacity,
the same honours and prerogatives shall be granted.
" l^. That Spanish poets and orators be stimu-
lated to exercise their talents upon this sublime
subject ; and that a reward be offered in the name
of the nation, of a medal of gold and 100 doubloons
to him who shall present the best poem, and the
like to him who shall compose the best prose es-
say, on this immortal siege : in both, the object
being, not only to recommend to the admiration
and memory of the present age and posterity, the
valour, constancy, and patriotism, of Saragossa ;
but to inflame, with like warmth, the enthusiasm
of tlie nation, and fill Spanish hearts with the
L N D ER S [ R J O !1 X F. C RADOC K. 97
same love of liberty, and the same detestation of ^^^^^f J^''
" The IMarquis of Astorga, Vice-President. ^nu^ry-
" Royal Castle of Stville, March 9, 1 809.
" Martin de Garay."
It only remains to notice, that the furtherance
of the organization of the Portuguese army, be-
came regularly puisued under general Beresford,
now field-marshal and generalissimo of Portugal.
To this end m-eatly contributed the issuins; of bul- ut'iity of bui-
n J ^ Ictms ot the
letins, in which the events of the campaign were f.^J/^"^""*^
generally communicated to the army and nation,
and through which were shewn the advantages of
discipline and good order, and the evils of anarchy
and insubordination.
The Spanish troops, under Silviera, in the mean
time, cut off the communications of the French in
the north of Portugal, by the successful siege of Siege of Chaves.
the important frontier-town of Chaves, in the
province of Tralos Montes. Notwithstanding its
being supposed to possess a garrison of 10,000
men, it capitulated on the 25th of March, and
greatly tended to inspirit troops, which had al-
ready suffered every discouragement, and prepare
them to bear up against the reverses to which
they were unhappily more liable.
This spirit became shortly put to the test by the •
VOL. IV.. 11
riAMP^.lGNS IN 5PAIN AND PORTUGAL,
failure of an attack on Victor, \vhohad drawn up
his army of 20,000 infantry and 5000 cavalry in
front of Medellan, a town on tlie Guadiana, in
Estremadura. In close columns, prepared for at-
tack or defence, the flanks covered by cavalry,
and ill front six batteries, the enemy was vigor-
ously attacked by Cuesta, who failed by the defec-
tion of the cavalry, which supported his left wing
on an attack from that of the French : it was con-
sequently thiown into disorder, and compelled to
leave the whole brunt of the action on the right.
The infantry, nevertlieless, evinced great steadi-
]iess ; a oreat loss of ofhcers and men in killed,
wounded, and prisoners, was the result, and ge-
neral Cuesta cashiered some others. A much more
important result, however, ensued in the celerity
with which he was enabled to re-assemble the army
after his retreat, and render it again formidable to
the enemy.
Nothing could exceed the many formed exag-
gerations of the soi-disant king Joseph on this ac-
tion, which tended to shew the importance at-
tached to it ; an importance, nevertlieless, which
could not but be decreased by the speedy reforma-
tion of the broken army.
The Spanish general and his troops were pro-
nounced, by a decree of the supreme junta, to
have deservetl well of their county. Those who
UNDER SIR JOHN F. CRADOCK. 99
particularly distinguished themselves were ho- ^^„^^/7'
noured and promoted ; and the pay for one month ^'****^^7*^
of two reg-iments of cavalry, and two of Chasseurs, ^^^'■«=h-
^ . . Battle of Me-
which accompanied them, was mulcted, and ap- deJiin.
plied to the reward of those who had given so
much promise to the future energies of Spain,
H '2
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
CHAP. II.
APPOINTMENT OF SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY, (AF-
TERWARDS LORD WELLINGTON) TO THE COM-
MAND OF THE BRITISH ABMY, AND PREPARA-
TIONS FOR THE NEW CAMPAIGN.
Insiiniciions of Sir Arthur IVellesley, Commander-
in-Chief. — Intimations in regard to Cadiz. —
Correlative Instructions to the British Minis-
ter.— Arrival of Sir Arthur JFellesley. — His
Staff, and the new Forxe placed under his Com-
mand.— Communication zvitk the British Minister
in Spain, on a Plan of Operations. — Intelligent
Anticipation of Mr. Frere. — Intercepted Com-
7nunications of the Enemy — Reports of the Spa-
nishGenerals. — French Force in Fstremadura. —
Sir Arthur JVellesley assumes the Command.
BOOK IV. The result of all that has heen described in the
CHAP. II.
1809.
preceding cliapter, was very properly a determina-
March. tioH, OH thc part of tlic British ministry, neither
to abandon the cause of Europe in its dcmonstra-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
lOi
, 1 1 . B 0 O K IV.
tions on the peninsula, nor to alter the course it chap. h.
had pursued in respect to this war; nor, what is 1809.
more, to displace, prematurely, its active and intel-
ligent minister there.
The effects of the campaign, recited in the last
book, were, nevertheless, evidently felt, both in
the operations of the field and the cabinet ; and
were even, as will be seen, found to affect, to a
certain degree, one little likely to be influenced by
ordinary impulses against the strongest energies of
war.
The employment of sir Arthur Wellesley, whose
genius, according to the opinions of some, had
overstepped his orders, and anticipated his su-
periors in the first instance, and been found but
too compliant* in the second, could not but be
expected as soon as the vague procedure, which
took place upon the convention of Cintra, should
be put into a complectional form ; and those
arrangements which, notwithstanding all that fa-
cility of principle which can, occasionally, elevate
or depress, without any obvious reason for either
one or the other, were necessary previously to
* The allusion, here made, affords a splendid instance of the
necessity of a certain discretion, in respect to military obedience,
and a judicious discrimination between " lawful " and unlaivful
orders.
102
BOOK IV.
CHAP. 11.
1809.
April.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
enabling sir Arthur Wellesley to ensue to the com-
mand held by sir John Cradock.
Accordingly, (the pubhc mind having been long
directed to, by a variety of means, and every ar-
rangement completed,) sir Arthur Wellesley re-
ceived the following instructions, which will shew
the importance attached by the British government
to this new expedition, and the undiminished vi-
gour with which it continued its determination to
prosecute, as far as compatible with the national
interests, the peninsular war : —
Despatch from QJ.-
lord visconnt '
w'^'^enfrd'" ^^^^ majcsty having been graciously
ley^' ^^''"^'' pleased to nominate lieut. -general sir John Cradock
fdXiifitoT' to the chief command, at Gibraltar, has thought
fit to select you to replace that officer in the com-
mand of his majesty's forces at Portugal.
You will receive inclosed a return of all the
troops, either actually arrived, or under orders
for Portugal ; and it is his majesty's pleasure that
you do proceed, without loss of time, to Lisbon,
in execution of the orders which I am now to con-
vey to you by his majesty's command.
Your attention will be directed, in the first in-
stance, to prepare and equip the British army for
the field. You will, in the next place, direct
UNDER LORD WELLINGTOX. lOo
your utmost exertions to the brinmnir forward the ^^^^ i\.
•^ O O CHAP. II.
Portuguese arm}-, and rendering it capable of co- ^^^'Troq^*^
operating with his majesty's troops. -^p"'-
, , . . 1 Despatch from
In the furtherance of this latter object, \n ad- lord viscount
Castlereagh t*
dition to the arrangement ah'eady made, you will lieut.generai
* ■' . ''""■ "^ Welles-
make such requisitions from time to time, either %.
'■ Dowmiig-street,
to the Porti -uese government, or to the govern- '^^ April, iao9.
ment at ]'i?me, as, upon comnmnication with ge-
neral Bcresford, you may deem requisite for ren-
dering " 'e Portuguese troops fit for service. The
defence of Portugal you will consider as the first
and immediate object of your attention. But, as
the security of Portugal can only be effectually
provided for in connection with the defence of the
peninsula in a larger sense, his majesty, on this ac-
count, as well as from the unabated interest he takes
in the cause of Spain, leaves it to your judgment
to decide, when your army shall be advanced on
the frontier of Portugal, how your efforts can best
be combined with the Spanish, as well as with the
Portuguese, troops, in support of the cDirunon
cause.
In any movements you may undertake, you
will, however, keep in mind, that, until you re-
ceive further orders, your operations must neces-
sarily be conducted with a special reference to
the protection of that country.
104
BOOK IV.
CHAP. II.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
i\Ir. Villiers will be instructed to procure for
iyo9. -'^^^ every necessary assistance from the Portu-
Aprii. g^(,3g govei-nment, and you will consider him as
Despatch from
lord viscount the proDcr clianucl for such communications as
Castltreagh lo
liput.-geiKrai you uiav liave to muke to the re^encv.
sir A. 'Welles- ^ o ^
^'y- I liave, &c.
(Signed) Castlereagh.
To these instructions, on the next day, were
added the following, on the subject of precau-
tions to be used for the necessary preservation of
Cadiz : —
Lord viscount
Castlereagh to
Jieut.-general
sir A. Welles-
Sir,
Upon the fall of Madrid, and the retreat
Down^n ''^street ^^ ^^^^ Spanish amiies, in the south of Spain, his
sdApni, 1809. i-,-,ajesty was pleased to signify, through his ma-
jesty's ministers, to the central government of
Spain, that liis majesty was ready to send an aux-
iliary army, to sustain the Spanish efforts in that
quarter, provided the British troops were assured
of tlie port and fortress of Cadiz, as a secured
point of retreat, in case of disaster in the field.
The government of Spain not having thought
lit to accede to this preliminary and indispensable
condition, and having actually declined to permit
the British troops, under major-generals Sberbrooke
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 105
and Mackenzie, (who were sent as tlie advance- i5 0oki\.
' ^ CHAP. II.
o^uard of the British army,) to land at Cadiz, his "^^—^v-^'
majesty does not feel that he can, in justice to the ^p"'-
. Lord viscount
sarety or his own troops, again employ an aux- Castiereagh to
sir A. Welles-
ihary army in Spain, till the Spanish government le.v, k. b.
and nation sliall cease to entertain tliose feelings
of jealousy, which are equally inconsistent with
their own interests, and the effectual prosecution
of tlie war.
You will, therefore, understand, that it is not
his majesty's intention, in authorising you to co-
operate with the Spanish armies in the defence of
Portugal, and of the adjacent Spanish provinces,
that you should enter on a campaign in Spain, PrecauUoas »br
the preservaticu
without the express authority of your government, of Cadiz.
and in any consent you may form with the armies
in Spain, you will cause it to be understood, that
it is to be confined to the specific objects in view ;
and that the service of your army (under the
orders you have received; cannot Ije employed in
general operations in Spain, as the force under *
sir John iMoore was intended to have been, with-
out a previous arrangement being settled to that
effect between the two governments.
Should the enemy penetrate, in force, towards
Cadiz, it is not improbable that the reluctance
of the Spanish government, to admit a British
06 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^^u^^nT' ^^^^^ '"to Cadiz, may yield to the sense of imme-
^^''TsoQ^ ^^^^^ danger. Should such a change of sentiment
April. fj^i^g place, every effort should be made to assist
Precautions for
the preservation in the preservation of that important place : and I
of Cadiz. IF'
am to convey to you the king's commands, that in
case Mr. Frere should, at any time, notify to you
the actual consent of the Spanish government to
admit a British garrison into Cadiz, you do detach
an adequate force for that purpose, notifying im-
mediately to me the amount of such force, that mea-
sures may be adopted for supporting the corps so
detached, and for replacing it in Portugal.
Should you receive a requisition to the above
effect from the governor of Cadiz, or other com-
petent authority, you are authorised to act, with-
out waiting for a communication through the
British minister.
I have. Sec.
(Signed) Castlereagh.
And to these were again added the following
decisive instructions, in regard to the appropriation
of the British forces in the event of the evacuation
of Portugal, a circumstance which could not but
enter into consideration from the advance of the
French, of which his majesty's government had re-
ceived accounts.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 107
Sir, BOOK IV.
' CHAP. It.
I am to acquaint you, that, upon a full ^"^"J^Jp*^
consideration of the state of the affairs in Portugal, ^p"'-
. Lord viscount
as communicated in the despatches received up to Castiereagu to
lieut. -general
the 24th ultimo inclusive, from Lisbon, it does sir a. wdies-
. . . ley, K.B.
not appear to his majesty's ministers expedient Downing-street,
^ *^ J J i 11th Apr. 1809.
that any alteration should take place in the mea-
sures now in progress for reinforcing the British
army in that country.
Should the British army be unfortunately com- The question of
British embark-
pelled to evacuate Portugal, his majesty, notwith- atiou at Cadk.
standing the late refusal to admit his troops into
Cadiz, is, nevertheless, prepared to renew that
offer on the same conditions ; and, in the event of
its acceptance, it is the king's pleasure that the
whole force now in Portugal, including the cavalry,
should be disembarked at Cadiz, from thence to
be employed in such manner as may appear to you
expedient for the support of the common cause.
Should this proposal of generous and disinte-
rested aid be again declined by the government of
Spain, it is his majesty's intention, (unless you re-
ceive orders to the contrary,) that, after reinforcing
the garrison of Gibraltar to 8,000 British infantry,
(the detailed arrangements of which you will con-
cert with sir John Cradock,) you do return home
with the remainder of the force.
BOOK IV.
CHAP. II.
1809.
April.
108 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
A copy of these instructions will be sent to Mr.
Frere, through whom, in the above contingency,
you-will make the offer, hereby directed, to the
central government.
I have the honour to be, Sec.
Castlereagh.
To these were added the following : —
Sir,
cSe^^Suo Should you, in the execution of my
Xnhufwei'- orders of the 11th instant, have occasion to pro-
Dowuing-strect, cccd with thc wholc of your force to the southward,
i8oy''"' before the determination of the Spanish govern-
ment, as to your reception, is ascertained, it is the
king's pleasure, in that case, that you do repair in
the first instance to Gibraltar, and not to Cadiz,
vrnlcss previously assured of being admitted.
As it is matenal, however, that the intentions
of the Spanish government should be known with-
out delay, ]\Ir Frere will be directed to press for a
decision on this point, in order that his majesty's
government may know how far they are to con-
sider the force now in Portugal as required for the
service of Spain ; or disposable, in thc event of the
evacuation of Portugal, for other services.
^Ir. Frere will communicate to you, for your
UNDER LOUD WELLIXGTON. 109
guidance in the execution of the orders you have ^^^^i'^ ^^'^
^ '^ CHAP. 11.
received, the result of his inquiries. "^-^
^ 1809.
I have tlu- honour to he, &c. ^p^''-
Castlereagii.
The whole of these are explained and confirmed
by the following correlative instructions to the
British minister in Spain.
Sir,
Your despatches, No. 32 to 35, inclusive, Mr secretary
Canning to the
have been received this day, and will be forthwith right hon. j. h,
Frere,
laid before the king. April 12. 1809.
The immediate departure of sir Arthur Wellesley,
who is actually embarked at Portsmouth, and by
whom 1 forward this despatch, onl}' allows me time
to inclose to you copies of the additional in-
structions, which his majesty has directed to he
given to him by his majesty's secretary of state for
the war department, in consequence of the intelli-
gence received yesterday from Lisbon of the ad-
vance of the French armies under marshals Victer
and Soult, towards the northern and eastern pro-
vinces of Portugal.
You will observe, that in the alternative (for
which it is necessary to provide, though I trust,
nevertheless, it is not likely to take place) of the
evacuation of Portugal by his majesty's forces ;
J^O CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^c^iAP.ii. " sir Arthur Wellesley is directed to proceed with
'^""''^^^^^'^^^ the army to Cadiz, to be landed there on the ac-
April, ceptance bv tlie Spanish oovernmenl of the con-
Mr. Canning to _ " * ^
Mi. Frere. dition, which you have aheady been instructed to
propose, of the admission of British troops into the
garrison of the fortress of Cadiz.
The repetition of this offer is intended to afford
one more opportunity to the Spanish government
to decide upon a question, the delicacy of which is
felt and acknowledged ; and their answer to which
has been received here without the smallest resent-
ment or surprise.
But as that answer was founded on circumstances
of a local and temporary nature, which may have
varied with the succession of events in the penin-
sula, as the prejudices of the people of Cadiz do
not in fact appear to have run, as the junta appre-
hended, against the admission of British troops,
but rather in a contrary direction ; as the readiness
with which those troops were withdrawn, upon the
refusal of the junta to receive them, must have
created a strong impression of the sincerity and
disinterestedness with which they were offered ; as
the arrival at Cadiz, subsequently to that event, of
large quantities of arms and military stores, must
have renewed and confirmed the confidence which
previously subsisted in the good disposition of his
majesty towards the Spanish nation ; as the fall of
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. Ill
Saragossa, and the defeat of o:eneral Rediim'j have bookiv.
*--' ~ ~ CHAP. II.
considerably chansfed the face of miHtarv affairs ^-^^^^^^
- '^ - 1809.
and prospects in the peninsula as the military se- ^^p"'-
Mr. Canning t»
curity of the south, and therewith of Cadiz itself, Mr. Frere.
must be in no small degree impaired by the occu-
pation of Portugal b}' the French ; and lastly, as
his majest}'"s army being once altogether withdrawn
from tlie peninsula, there would be great difficulty,
if not an entire impossibility, of renewing tliis offer
again at any future period : I am commanded by
his majesty to direct you to lay the subject thus
once more before the supreme junta, witli tlie same
frankness and temper which you have manifested
in the conduct of this delicate discussion on a
former occasion, and to bring them, with as little
delay as possible, to a final decision upon it.
You will understand, however, that these in-
structions apply only to the specific case of the
evacuation of Portugal actually taking place,
and the troops thereby becoming actually dis-
posable, of which event you will receive due notice
from his majesty's commanders in Portugal, and
upon receipt of that notice only you will open the
subject to the Spanish government.
I am, &c.
(Signed) George Canning.
Sir Arthur Wellesley accordingly having sailed
] ' '>.
CAMPAIGNS IN 8PAIN' AND rORTL'GAL,
1809.
from Portsmouth on Saturday, the 15th of April,
in the Siirveillante, capt. sir George Collier arrived
Ap"i. at Lisbon tiie 22d of the same month, and on the
24th made his first conirnunication with the British
minister, Mr. Frere.
In the same ship with sir Arthur Wellesley
sailed the honourable major-gen. Stewart, major-
gen. IMurray, lord Fitzroy Somerset, tlie hon. Fitz-
roy Stanhope, and lieutenant Fitzclarence.
The staifof the commander-in-chief and general
officers serving under him were nearly as follows :
of the The right honourable sir Artlmr Wellesley, K.B.
commanderof the forces,
Lieut.-col. Bathurst, military secretary.
Lord Fitzroy Somerset, ^
The hon. Fitzroy Stanhope, /- Aides-de-camp.
Lieutenant Fitzclarence, 3
Brigadier-gen. the hon. Charles Stewart, adjutant-
general.
Col. Murray, quarter-master-general.
Major Colin Campbell, — Major Berkeley, assistant-
adjutanl-general.
Generals of division and brigade.
Lieutenant-gen. Cartwright,
Major-gen. Sherbrooke,
Lord William Bentinck,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
lis
The hon. Edward Paget,
Hill,
Payne,
Cotten,
John Murray,
M'Kenzie,
Beresford,
Alexander Campbell.
B 0 0 K IV.
CHAP. II.
Tlie whole force to be estimated about
Of this remaining in Portugal
(of which are to be reckoned
2,700 of the stragglers from
sir John Moore, preserved by
the peasants of the Gal-
licias)
Embarked from Ireland, under
general Hill, about . .
To follow cavalry, about . «
besides artillery, &c.
30,000 Estimationor
the forces.
13,000
5,000
4,000
Of the forces embarked at Portsmouth there
were, in the following order :
3d dragoon guards,
4th light dragoons,
Battalions of 48th, 5 2d, 95 th,
Squadrons of the 16th, &c. &c.
VOL. IV. I
^^"^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV,
CHAP. II.
Of the force collected at Coik, the following
^g^g might be the staft-return :
' 'if*^^. Major-gen. Hill, commander of the forces,
Lieut. Plill, capt. Ciirrie 90th reg. aids-de-camp,
Capt. Fordyce, major of brigade,
Brig.-gen. Alexander Campbell, second in com-
mand,
Capt, Campbell, 7th regiment, aid-de-camp,
Capt. Hunter Blair, .9 1st regiment, brigade-major,
Lieut.-col. Hinaber, 68th regiment, ass. adjut.-gen.
Bat.-major Williamson, SOth reg. ^
Capt. Elliot, 48th regiment, \^' ^' ^^--ge"-
Lieut, col. William Delaney, assist, quarter-master-
general,
Capt. Scovell, 57th foot, ■)
Capt. Waller, 103d foot, j'^' ^- V-^^^^i^^S^"-
The following regiments composed the force
which sailed from Cork under general Hill:
MEN. COMMANDED BY
1st bat. guards say 1000 lieut.-colonel
2d bat. 7th foot, 700 lieut.-col. sir W. Myers,
2d bat. 30th foot, 660 lieut.-col. Minnett,
2d bat. 48th foot, 800 Duckworth,
53d foot, 800 Bingham,
66th, 680 major IMurray,
^ 83d, 900 lieut.-col. Gordon.
5540
,f0
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. H-^
This force moved under major-gen. Hill's orders ^ch?p^iJ.^'
till it arrived at Coimbra, when (1st May) lord Wei- ^^"^^^^^q^
lington succeeded sir J. Cradock in command ; ^p"''
and the arm y was divided into divisions and
brigades ; a Portuguese regiment and a rifle com-
pany of the 60th being attached to each brigade.
The 1st bat of 3d or buffs, It.-col. div. 700^ effec-
2d, 48th regiment, 6^0 V tive
2d, 66th regiment, 600) men.
1 company 5th bat. 60, 70
2060
This force, under general Hill, formed the ad-
vance of the army, and afterwards, consequently,
engaged the enemy at Oporto : three troops of the
14th, 16th, and 20th light dragoons, followed up
the defeat.
Sir John Cradock having advanced with the
army will account for the first paragraph of the
commander-in-chief's despatch to Mr. Frere. It
was as follows :
My dear sir,
I arrived here the day before yesterday, sir ArthurWeU
•^ ./ ./ Jeslcy to Mr.
and I propose to take the command of the army in ^'"^"^iyo^;
this coimtry as soon as I shall have communicated
with sir John Cradock.
12
11^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. n.
1809.
I concliule that sir John has kept you informed
of tlie movements of tlie French in the north of
April. Portugal. I do not find that there has been any
Sir Arthur Wel- f
lesieytoMr. material alterations lately in their position. They
have not passed the Vanga to the south ; nor have
they extended themselves into Tralos Montes,
since the loss of Chaves ; but they have made some
movements towards the Tamaga, which divides
Tralos Montes from Minho, and it is supposed they
intend to acquire for themselves the option of re-
treating into Spain through Tralos Montes, if they
should be passed by the British troops.
I intend to move towards Soult, and attack him,
if I should be able to make any arrangement in the
neighbourhood of Abrantes which can give any se-
curity for the safety of this place during my ab-
sence to the north.
I am not quite certain, however, that I should
not do more good to tlie general cause by contri-
buting with general Cuesta against Victor; and I
believe I should prefer this last, if Soult was not in
possession of a part of Portugal which is very fer-
tile in resources, and of the town of Oporto ; and
if tlie operation with general Cuesta would not
take up time which might be profitably employed
against Soult.
It is probable, however, that Soult will not remain
in Portugal when I shall pass the Mondego, and
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON'. 117
if he should, I shall attack : if he retires, I am sure book iv.
' ' ' CHAP. II.
that it will be most advantageous for the common ^^-^--v-^-'
° ^ _ 1809.
cause that we should remain on the defensive, in April.
1 ^ n T-, 11 • 1-1 Sir Arthur Wel-
tne north or rortugal, and act vigorously with lesiey to Mr.
Cuesta against Victor.
In the first place, I do not know that singly I
should be equal to tlie French force in Gallicia;
and I am convinced, that a movement of the Britisli
force into that province, inasmuch as it would
oblige the French to collect their force, would put
an end for the present to the war of the peasantry,
which has been so successful hitherto, has been
so distressing to the enemy, and, in fact, prevents
them from doing all the mischief which their po-
sition enabled them to do.
An operation against Victor is attended by
these advantages : — if successful, it relieves effec-
tually Seville and Lisbon : and in case affairs should
take such a turn as to enable the king's ministers to
make another effort for the relief of Spain, the
corps under my command in Portugal vvill not be
removed to such a distance from the scene of ope-
rations as to render co-operation impossible, and we
might hope to see an effectual effort made by a
combined and concentrated force.
It is true that Gallicia and other parts, which
might be relieved b a ilifferent and more dispersed
application of our ibrce, will continue for some
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
time longer in the possession of the enemy ; but it
^ggg must be recollected, that the relief of Gallicla is
^r^",., , certain, if this srreat effort should be successful.
Sir Aithur VVel- ' ^ ^
leskv to Mr. ^ud it is probable that the Relief, provided by these
means, will be permanent.
I am assured that the French will be in great
danger in Spain only when a great force will be
assembled, which may oblige them to collect their
force ; and this combined operation of the force in
this country with that under general Cuesta may
be the ground- work of further measures of the
same sort.
I shall be obliged to you if you will communicate
to me any accounts you may have of the strength
and position of the different French corps in
Spain.
(Signed) Arthur Welleslet.
The intelligence thus frankly desired by the
commander-in-chief, immediately on his arrival in
Portugal, had been in a great degree already fur-
nished, by the steady vigilance of Mr. Frere ; as
will appear from the following despatch :
Sir,
sir John Cra- Thc copics of intercepted letters which I
i Seville, 21st liavc tne honour to transmit, will enable vou, upon
April, 1809. . , „ . „ "
your own judgment, to form a satisfactory con-
dock.
rr
I
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 1^9
elusion upon the point respecting which, in your bookiv.
last letter, you express yourself so particularly ^-^-v-ow/
anxious ; namely, — The intention of the enemy April.
With regard to a movement mto rortugal troni the sir joimCra-
side of Estramadura. The letters of latest date, and
greatest authority, seem to speak decidedly of the
march of an army against this city ; but as it is
probable the destruction of a British army, and the
rescue of marshal Soult would, at the present
moment, be considered as objects preferable to any
other, I have much satisfaction in informing you,
that general Cuesta's army, which consists at this
moment of 24,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry, and
which, by the arrival of daily reinforcements, will
be increased to the amount of 25,000 infantry and
at least 4,000 cavalry in the course of a week, have
received orders to preserve a strict defensive sys-
tem, from the consideration that a second defeat on
the part of this army might enable general Victor
to march himself, or to detach considerably against
the British forces, while advancing northward to
the attack of marshal Soult. If general Victor
should evacuate the country which he now occupies,
and undertake a march to the relief of marshal
Soult, general Cuesta would advance in proportion,
and endeavour to harass and detain him as far as
possible, without making a general action. This
latter point I consider as agreed, and with respect
120 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. II.
1809.
dock.
to the first, I have the honour to enclose copies of
the instructions transmitted to general Cuesta.
^P"'- I have been urged by the junta to represent, in
sir John Cra- the Strongest terms, the necessity of some im-
mediate active operation on the part of the British ;
but ignorant as I am, even of the number of our
troops in Portugal, and without any pretension to
judgment in a case which must depend entirely on
military combination, I can only represent to you
their wishes, and the arrangements which they have
made, in ^ the expectation that it may be found
possible to realize them. Enclosed, I find a state-
ment of the enemy's force, which appears detailed
with sufficient exactness.
The detention of the 40th has not proceeded from
any inattention to your repeated instances on that
subject, but from the idea which I found likewise en-
tertained by the officers, that under the then situation
of things, military delicacy would hardly admit of
their abandoning a point so immediately menaced^
I shall be entirely guided by them, having no wish,
and being very far from the pretension of inter-
fering with, or deferring that execution of, your
orders upon any other ground.
At the instances of the government, I took upon
myself to sound colonel Kemmis upon the subject
of an advance to Santa Olalla, but I found his
opinion so decided, and his reasons so satisfactory,
affainst a movement of that kind, that I did not
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 121
think it proper to propose the subiect to him in a book iv.
^ * * ^ " CHAT II,
formal shape. v.-*-v'^%-/
^ 1809.
I have the honour to be, &c. -'^P"'-
(Signed) J. H. Frere.
The following are the enclosures of intercepted
papers :
I have received your letter. j\Iarshal Victor Josepi, Buona-
•/ parte to general
is to keep between IMerida and Badajos, till he Jjl^'ijfiif"''
shall have had news from marshal Soult, and have ^thApni.isog.
been joined by general Pisse.
I shall undertake nothing against Valenera, until
I have news from marshal Ney, and am apprised of
the total destruction of Romana's corps.
Rely upon it, my dear Sebastiani, that I shall imerceptoj let-
ever do what is agreeable to you, and that I shall Ihe^situanoSd
solicit myself your departure from Spain, the mo- tncm?''
ment that I think you may be better employed for
your glory, elsewhere than in Spain ; till then, I
keep you. You know my long friendship for
you.
Yours affectionately,
(Signed) Joseph.
Sir,
I have received the letter which you have MarshaUour-
done me the honour to write to me on the 8th inst. 2 !w,5,!r'"^
and I have submitted it to the king. His majesty ApdljIS!"
directs me to have the honour of informing- yon,
that he docs not think proper to have the intrencli-
122
BOOK lY.
CHAP. II.
3 809.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
ments of tlie Sierra Morena attacked, before the
moment wlien the duke of Belhmo shall march
-April. against Seville; and that the duke of Bellunois not
Marihal Jour-
dan to general to commencc his march, till he shall have been
Subasliani.
joined by the division of La Pisse, and when he
shall have intelligence from the duke of Dalmatia.
Meanwhile, general, his majesty wishes you
would endeavour to disperse those bodies which
appear from time to time in the rear of the army;
to render your communications as sure as possible,
to disarm the province which you occupy, and re-
store order and confidence. This, general, I am
expressly commanded by his majesty to write to
you.
The marshal of the empire,
Major-general of H. C. M.
(Signed) Jour dan.
To general Sehastiani, cominander-in- chief,
ad interim, of the 1 0/// corps of the armi/.
ISIy dear General,
General Bel- I thank you for your kind remembrance.
srh'^-stiaS""''' I have learnt, with pleasure, the re-establishment
Ajitriso'!! ' of your health. Why would you not put an end
to the rabble? The opinion of the inhahitants of
Madrid does not improve. It is true that the
piicsts^ do not take much pains to form it. You are
♦ La Sacre Ministere,
UNPER LORD WELLIT^GTON. 123
right in saying the priesthood****. How is it that i-ook^iv.
La Mancha is not organised ? Why not make them """^"^^q^^
recognise king Joseph and Napoleon? Why not ^i'"'-
1 !• T 1 «, • 1 II General Bel-
estabhsh the new system ? I beheve that you would liard to general
Sebastiaui.
do well, my dear general, to profit of a moment or
tranquillity to over-run the country with two
moveable columns; and disarm it entirely.
(Signed) Belliard.
General Sebastiaui,
SfC. ^'C. 4C'
Tlie following communication, though equally
referred to and necessary for information, goes
farther, and, indeed, anticipates a fact which,
however, to have been long before expected from
the judgment and bravery of colonel IMayne,
and the native troops under his command, had
not even yet taken place, the possession of Alcan-
tara by the enemy.
It moreover exhibits the Spanish general in the
best extreme of the military character, with an
adventurous rather than a vacillating, cold, indeci-
sive, spirit.
Most excellent Sir,
The supreme iunta of the kingdom m. Comcito
t^ -> ^ general Cuesta,
orders me to state to your excellency, that, in the seviUe, 20th
April, 1809.
supposition of the troops which took Alcantara,
^24 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
CHAP. II.' being on their march to reinforce Victor, it is to
^^J^^J^]^"^ be inferred that they propose to put in execution
Apni ^]^g attack ordered by kin*? Joseph, in the letter
M. Cornel to _ J rt 1 J
general Cuesta. whicli 1 ycstcrday transmitted to your excellency.
His majesty, therefore, having consulted the
general military junta, and in concert with the
minister of his Britannic majesty, thinks it right
that you should take up such positions as may ap-
pear most advantageous to your excellency ; that
you should avoid a general attack ; disputing with
the enemy their passage to those points, and to-
wards this city ; that this measure appears to be
pointed out by the consideration of your army
being the salvation of the country, as that of
Victor, is of the French ; and that your excellency,
continuing the operations of your advanced posts,
should prevent the enemy from annoying and
plundering the villages ; that, with this under-
standing, the English minister has offered to apply,
in the strongest terms, to the general-in-chief of
the English forces, to march in force against Soult ;
and, having beaten him, to proceed, without delay,
with a respectable power, to Elvas, to settle the
plan to be followed for the future ; and his ma-
jesty thinks it would be advantageous that your
excellency should write to the general-in-chief,
stating the importance of this measure to the com-
mon cause; and the junta, likewise, thinks that.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 125
as at present, the fortress of Badaioz has nothhi"; ^^ok iv.
to fear on its flank ; and in case of Victor's attack- ^^^^.^^-^
1809.
ing you, it should make a sally of infantry, ca- -^p"'-
' 1 • I 1 11 General Bel-
valry, and artillery, to annoy them, and draw Hard to geaerai
Sebastian'.
their attention ; and if your excellency thinks
proper that the army of the centre should make
any movement, that you shoidd notify the same to
Vanegas : — Finally, I transmit the accompanying
letter to your excellency for your guidance, his
majesty not doubting, if its contents be certain,
that your excellency will be able to assemble such
of the peasantry as have arms, whenever you
shall think proper.
(Signed) Cornal.
His Excellency/ Don Greg, de la Cuesta>
SfC. ^c. 4c.
In the same frank and zealous manner did Mr,
Frere also address the Spanish general on the deli-
cate subject of altering the appointment, or post-
ing, even of the superior officers of the Spanish
army.
pf
Sir,
In a letter which I addressed to sir John Mr. Frere io
general CuPita.
Cradock, and of which the junta have done me the sevuie, 22d
'^ April, iao9.
honour to communicate a copy to your excellency,
I give him reason to hope that a diversion will be
125 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. made in the direction of La Mancha, a movement,
CHAP. H. '
K.^^-^.'^"'^ of which it is unnecessary to particularize all the
1809. ^ *■
April. advantages. I have, however, refrained from
Mr, Frere to "^ ' '
general Cuesta. touchjug upou a point on which, in my opinion,
the good or bad issue of this operation must ab-
solutely depend, — I mean, the choice of the per-
son who is to conduct it.
I think that an army torn by factions, as well
as by successive removals of its officers, and dis-
couraged by adverse fortune, can have no hope of
being speedily re-established, and conducted to
victory, but by a general known to them by a
successful battle, and who is personally popular in
the army, as well as in the province in which he
is to act. Among our disposable generals, the
duke of Albuquerque is the only one who unites
in his person all these circumstances. But, as he
has also the happiness to enjoy the favour and con-
fidence of .J our excellency, I did not think it
right to take a step tending to withdraw and sepa-
rate him from your immediate orders, without
having previously obtained your consent, bein^
fully awave that your excellency, satisfied like
myself of the importance of the object, will have
no objection to dispense with the services of the
duke, when you think they may be more bene-
ficially employed elsewhere. I am not competent
to enter into discussions with your excellency con-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON". 127
BOOK IV,
CHAP, ir
ceining tlic description and degree of military
merit, which distinguished the duke de Alba- ^^^^
querque and M. de Vanegas; but, perhaps, your ^^p"'-
*■ "^IMr. Frcre to
excellency might be of opinion, that the latter general Cuesta.
having served always under your orders, and not
only near your person, but more immediately under
your eyes, would be neither less useful, nor less
vigorous, than the former, who, from other cir-
cumstances, seems to be more fit for a distant
command.
It only remains to add, that, at this moment, I
have no other means of influence upon the plans
of our generals in Portugal, than by suggesting to
them good reasons, and by raising hopes ; and
that your excellency would powerfully support me
in both, if you should think proper to accede to
the arrangement which I have the honour to make
to you. »
I request, &c.
(Signed) J. H. Frere.
His Excellency General Cuesta.
Under all the circumstances, whatev^er tlie utility
of the preceding suggestion, the following re-
port is not only natural but dignified ; and, at the
same time, adds to the account, already desired by
the commander-in-chief, of the enemy's plans,
those of the Spanish army, which could not be
considered by his excellency as less important.
128 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^ci?Afu' General Cuesta, after acknowledging the receipf
^^-"''V'"*^ of his orders to avoid an action, says, " Beins
1809. > J 3 O
April. fully possessed with the same idea and views, I had
Translation of a r i n ^ f • ^ •
leport fronige- already formed my plan of defence, in the points
ueral Cuesta to .
iM. Cornel whicli I tliouglit iiiost convcnicnt for stopping the
Head quarters,
Moiiast.rio, enemy's passage to Andalusia, which it is very
1803. likely he will attempt upon this side with his late
reinforcements.
I have established my most advanced post at
INIedina de la Torres, with 640 horse and 800 foot,
most of them light troops, under the command of
the Marques de Campo Don Pedro de Agn. de
Echevarna, mIio spread their skirmishing parties
in all directions, and follow the enemy close into
Almendralejo.
State of the Spa- A little on this side of Fuente de Cantos, I have
geaeMrfuesta! a corps of 1800 hoi'sc, uiidcr the command of
lieut. -general Don Juan de Henestrosa, to support
and strengthen the above advanced post, and take
advantage of any favourable opportunity.
A league more this way, where the Sierras begin,
is stationed another advanced post of 3200 foot, and
650 horse, under the command of the brigadier Don
Josef de Zagas, to assist and support the body of
cavalry and first position, in case of their being
attacked by superior forces, and obliged to re-
treat
A league and a half m the rear, at this my head
UNDER LOUD WELLINGTON. 129
BOOK IV.
CHAP. II.
April.
State of the Spa-
quarters, I have posted the rest of my infantiy,
with about 900 horse, at the back of the village. ^^^^^
No one of the above positions present great ad
vantag-es, but I maintain them, for the sake of nish amw under
•^ general Cuesta.
confining the enemy, and to support the retreat
of the advanced post, which, in case of necessity,
must unite here.
About a league in my rear the various fortified
posts begin ; and those which are most defensible
as far as St. Olalla, and Ronquilla, which I have
ordered to be manned with the battalions of in-
fantry which are come from la Carolina, and
with the division under the command of commo-
dore Don Josef Lerreno Baldenebro.
Not being able to make use of cavalry in this
broken country, I have directed that those corps,
which arrived from Andalusia, should be cantoned
beyond Ronquillo, in the villages nearest to the
Arrecife, and where the ground begins to be prac-
ticable, and the broken country ends, a point in
which I shall make my last resistance with the
power of attacking the enemy with my whole
force, as soon as he begins to descend into the
plain.
Besides this, I have despatched a battalion to
Guadalianal, and ] 000 men to Casella, to defend
the passes of Guadalianal and San ^Miguel de
VOL, lY. K
ISO CAMPAIGNS IV SpAiN AND PORTUGAL,
"^cnA^^^i/T* ^^^'Js, assisted by sharp-shooters and the armed
^*'][^J^**^ peasants of that district.
y^prii. J pj.QpQse fo write to the ofeneral-in-chief of the
State of the Spa- . .
iiishaimy under Enf^lish armv in Portu2:al, ursinsr him, as soon as
general Cuestaj ^ "^ o » » » »
he has beat marshal Soult, to approach the borders
of Estremadura, that we ma}' combine our opera-
tions; but I look upon this assistance as very re-
mote.
Be pleased to lay this before his majesty, for his
information, and any change he may please to di-
rect ; assuring him on my part, that if niy troops
behave, as I hope they will, the enemy will not
pass into Andalusia on this side, unless over the
body of my army.
(Signed) Gueg. De la Cuesta.
His ExceUoicj/ Don Ant. Cornel,
Si'C. SfC. 4r.
General Cuesta tims expresses himself to M. de
Cornel, in continuation.
A report from j^f^jg^ excellent Sir,
general Cuesta '
t^oM. deCor- Nothing new has occurred at the out-
MrnlSSd posts of this army. The enemy remain with some
Apru, 1809. foj-ce of horsc and foot in Villa Franca, Fuente
del Maestro, and St. Marta. The same wlio at-
tempted to enter Gafra the day before yesterday,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 131
and filled, from the good resistance made by a ^^J^^^]^"^'
strons^ o'uard of the kino-'s resriment of cavahy, '^-^-v-'"^
3 O SO ^ ' 1809.
who had a seijeant and two soldiers killed, and ap"^-
A report from
three wounded ; and from the fire of some pea- general Cuesta
to M. de Cor-
santry, of the honorary militia of that town, who nei.
had two killed and four wounded ; and, they as-
sert, that the enemy suffered considerably in the
attack and retreat.
(Signed) Greg. De la Cuesta.
Jlis Excellency Don Ant. Cornel ^
Sfc. SfC. SfC.
To the same effect is the following report of the
Spanish officer, second in command to general
Cuesta; while, in acuteness of examination, it
appears infinitely beyond the scrutiny to which
the conduct of their forces has been subjected,
even by the most unfortunate of British com-
manders.
Most excellent Sir, General Vene.
gas to M. de
The captain of our reconnoitring party Comei.
^ or./ Head-quarters,
saw and pursued two enemies on the road, from st. Eiena, 22d
^ ' April, 1809.
Torrenueva and Santa Cruz, but could not over-
take them.
The colonel, Don Josef Antonia de Sauz, who
commands the advanced posts of the van-guard,
K 2
132 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. ir.
1809.
reports, that, last night, seven cavalry soldiers,
and a French officer, were at Viso, asking the
April. Alcaide to conceal them, in order to surprise our
leneral Vcue-
fir to M. de reconnoitring party ; that house was shewn them,
in which the eight \vere all assassinated and buried.
I doubt this report, because they give no account
of the horses, and I shall ascertain it to-morrow.
A mail-bag has just arrived, whicli I have sent
to the junta of La Carolina, to be forwarded im-
mediately to the capital ; the justice of Villa Man-
rique forwarded it to the post of Montezon, having
been sent from justice to justice from that of
Puebla del Principe, with the account that it was
taken in Fillimusterre, by Francisco Aloyan, of
Morpart, and four companies, who killed the
bearers. Another despatch came from Don Martin
de Garay, which tlie M, de Campo, Don Pedro
Grimarez, sent immediately, taking advantage, as
he tells me, of the passing of the Courier with
the post from Valencia, and wishing not to delay
the accounts, which those who took it might give
him. Having united in Montazon 4000 foot, and
the regiment of dragoons of Granada, 4 cannon
and howitzers, a van-guard has been form.ed, under
the brigadier Don Diego Vallesteros ; and troops
have been advanced to Villa Mamicjue and Torre
de Juan, to encourage the neighbourhood and
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 133
cover the villages from the inroads of the enemy, ^ch^p^m^*
Brigadier Don Celendonia Emeteria Banedo, and ^^^'^^JT**^
the lieut.-colonel Don Josef Martinez, presented ^p"'-
Central Vene-
themselves to me to-night, with whom I have confer- g" i" m. de
^ ' ^ _ Corucl,
red upon the means of annoying the enemy with the
body of 1,000 infantry and 400 horse, or what
our force and circumstances admit ; and we have
agreed that the point of IMontizon itself is the
most proper for making sallies, increasing the
troops in it, and supporting, in case of retreat, the
advanced troops.
To-morrow 1 sliall determine, positively, what
is most convenient.
(Signed) Francisco Venegas.
To this intelligence is to be added the following
particulars to the subject : —
Confidential information respecting the state of ^^^"^'^*'°",^( ^
* o statement of the
the enemy's force in Estremadura, f '"'"'^^ ^^'"^ '"^
'' ±iStremaaura.
Infantry, regiments 9, 24, 97, 43, 63, 94, 95^ ^p'"' ^^'^•
and 96.
Chasseurs a Chcval, regiments 2, 5, 10, and 25.
Dragoons, regiments 1, 2, 4, 9, 14, and 26.
Besides one regiment of the confederation.
^34 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. II.
1809.
Supposing the regiments of infantry not to ex-
ceed 2,000 men, their force would amount to
Apnl. J ^^^(3(3
Translation of a
statement of the * Add to those which cutercd
Frcncii iorce in
Estiemaduia. \)y Alcaiitara, cstimatcd at . . . 5,200
Total . . 22,800 Infantry.
It is asserted that the Cuirassiers, and Carabi-
niers, have returned to France.
The following report, tending only to shew the
temper of the Spanish ofticei', is inserted in repe-
tition : —
General Cnesta Most exCcllcnt Sir,
to M. de Cor-
nel. Nothing now has occurred at the out-
He.id-quarters,
M.masterio.ssd posts of this amiy. The enemy remain with some
April, 1809. ^ .
force of horse and foot in Villa Franca, Fuente
del Maestra, and St. Marta, the same who at-
Irtnch force * These regiments are since learnt to be the regiments 8, 14,
iniraediatelyop- "
po^ed to the al- 4-5, and 54, infantry; and the cavalry, 5th dragoons and We.st-
"■ phalian Chasseurs a Cheval, which, according to the above com-
putation, would make this corps amount to .8,800 infantry, and
1 ,000 cavalry ; and the total force in Estremadura would be 26,000
infantry, and 6,500 cavalry.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 195
tempted to enter Zafra the day before yesterday, ^^^^^^^^^'
and failed, from the good resistance made by a ^^^^^^T*""^
stronsr ffuard of the kino-'s regiment of cavalry, "^p"'*
^ ^ C3 » ^ ^' Trench force
who had a serieaiit and two soldiers killed, and "nmediateiyop-
-' posed to Ike al-
three wounded ; and from the lire of some of the ^'*^*'
peasantry of the honorary militia of that town,
who had two killed and four wounded ; and, they
assert, that the enemy suffered considerably in the
attack and retreat.
(Signed) Greg. De la Cuesta.
From the results of such inquiries as he coidtl
make with effect, sir Arthur Wellesley proceeded to
form the plan of his operations, thus announcing
his excellency's reception of tlic command :
^ly lord,
I arrived here on the 22d instant, and V®f-p"^'[f\
' sir Arthur Wel-
havinsr communicated with sreneral sir John Cra- l^*'/-'" ^^-^ ^"^
o ~ lord vricount
dock, he put me in orders on the 25th, and I have £tl^|^^5fjj'
assumed the command of the army. -^p"^' ^^^'^'
The whole of the Biitish army in Portugal, arc
assembled at Leyria and Alcohaca, with the ex-
ception of the 2d battalion of the 30th regiment in
garrison at Lisbon; of the l6th dragoons, on its.
march to join the army, and of the 2d, ;24th foot,
and 3d dragoon guards, and 4th dragoons^ just
landed.
^36 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^cHAP. II. ' The corps of marshal Soult is still in the
^-^'^[^J^^^'^^ north of Portugal, occupying the city of Oporto,
April. ^^,jj.|^ l^jg advanced posts at Ova: It is enajaged
Lieut. -general * v- I-"
sir Arthur \vei- with its left in an attack upon general Silveira,
lesley, K.B. to I &
iord viscount on thc TamaQ,fi, with a view to open the province of
Castlereagh. ^ ' r i
Tras Ids Montes, for its communication with Spain.
The corps of general la Pisse, which had advan-
ced from Salamanca, and threatened an attack upon
the province of Beira, has marched along the fron-
tiers of Portugal to Alcantara, where it crossed the
Tagus, and it is now joined with that under the
command of marshal Victor, at Merida, upon the
Guadiaua.
This last corps has been upon the Guadiana
since the defeat of the Spanish army under general
Cuesta, with its advanced posts south of that river.
General Cuesta is at Llerena ; and I understand, by
a comnumication from ]\Ir. Frere to the secretary
of state, a copy of which has been sent here, that
the Spanish government are taking measures to re-
inforce that general, and that he will move to
Portugal, if Victor should take advantage of the
absence of the British army engaged in operations
to tlie northward, to invade Portugal.
Under these circumstances I have determined
forthwith to move to the northward, I propose to
take 6,000 Portuguese troops with me, and the
whole of the British troops now in Portugal,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTOy. l37
with the exception of the liiul battalion of the ^^OK iv,
I CHAP. II.
30th, the 2nd battalion of the 24th ; the brigade ^^^T^^CT*^
1809,
of infantry under the command of major-general ^p"'-
. Lieut.-gcnera!
Mackenzie, and the 3d dragoon ouards, and 4th sir Arthur wt-u
^ ^ lesley, K.B. to
dragoons. lord Viscount
^ Caadereagh.
These troops, with about 7,000 of the Portuguese
infantry and cavalry, will be left on the Tagus, to
watch the movements of the enemy upon the fron-
tier, and to guard the passes over tliat river between
Abrantes and Santarcm.
As soon as the enemy will have evacuated the
north of Portugal, it is my intention to return to
the eastern frontier of that kingdom, and to co-
operate with the Spanish general Cuesta, against
the army of Victor.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) Arthur Wellesley.
Nothing can more completely evince the ex-
treme delicacy and anxious care required to the con-
duct of the campaign at this period than the
foilowinG: document :
o
In my despatch, says i\Ir. Secretary Canning, Mr. spcret^irj
•^ ^ *^ Canning
which I forwarded to Lisbon by sir Arthur Wei- to the right hon
•^ J. H. trerc.
lesley, a duplicate of which I herewith inclose. Foreign-office,
•^ ' ' ^ 17th Apal,
you are directed not to bring the question of ^^^5.
Cadiz again under discussion with the Spanish
^3S CAMPAIGNS IS SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^ch?p^j!.^' governinent, until you shall receive notice from the
3809. commander of his majesty's forces in Portugal, of
T.T ^ll *^^^ actual evacuation of that country by the British
Canpngtot'he army.
right hon. J, H. -^
iJSn-office Upon consideration, however, of the time which
Apns IT, 1809. ^^^y elapse before such notice can reach you, and
of the disadvantao^es wliich mieht arise from tlie
actual appearance of a Britisli army off Cadiz a
second time, without the certainty of being ad-
mitted, I am now to direct you to ascertain, with
as little delay as possible, whether, in the event of
our evacuation of Lisbon, the Spanish government
would desire or accept the services of the British
army, consisting at present of upwardsof 25,000 men,
including between 3 and 4,000 cavalry, and 1,200
artillery, at Cadiz; on the condition so often spe-
cified, of the admission of a part of that force into
the garrison of that fortress.
I have so repeatedly staterl to you the grounds
upon which this condition is annexed to the offer,
and have so fully explained the motives which in-
duce a repetition of the offer at the present mo-
ment, after having been so distinctly refused, that
I have nothing to add upon that subject.
You will not fail to communicate, with the ut-
most expedition, to his majesty's commajiders at
Lisbon, the result of your application to the Spanish
government, in order that in the unfortunate event
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON, iSg
of the evacuation of Lisbon, (to the possibility of book iv.
' ■ CHAP. II.
which event alone this whole instruction applies), v-^-v-^.^^
\ 1B09,
the British commanders may be timely apprise^!, April.
ISIr. Canning to
whether it be, or be not, necessary, that they Mr. Frere.
should carry the army to Cadiz, or whether they
should at once carry it to such other destniation,
as his majesty may, in the alternative of its not
being wanted at Cadiz, have assigned for it.
I am, Sec.
(Signed^ George Canning.
The following remarks form a mere public in- »
strument of military diplomacy, on the delicate
subject of obtaining possession of Cadiz by British
troops on the part of their government, and on the
desire of British detachments to serve with the i
Spanish forces on that of Spain.
His majesty's determination not to allow small Mr. secretary
^ ^ Canning to the
detachments of his troops to be annexed to the r^gi»t.hoQ-J.H.
Spanish armies, or to serve under the command ygJjf^'T?^'
of a Spanish general, was signified at a very early ^^^^•
period to the government of Spain : yet, notwith-
standing their knowledge of this determination,
and of the cogent motives vvhich dictated it, their
applications for separate corps to be attached to
the Spanish armies have been continually repeated.
140 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^iZ^v^^' -^^^^^^ ^^^^ retreat of the British army from Corin^na,
^"^'^^^^^ ^^is majesty was still solicitous to support the
"^P"^''- Spanisli cause, and was willing to appropriate a
IMr. Canning Jo
Mi. Frere. considcrablc body of British troops for service in
that part of the Peninsula, which was Hkely to be-
come the principal theatre of the war ; but the un-
fortunate result of the campaign in the north, and
the disasters wliich the British army had experienced
in effecting their retreat through the open and de-
fenceless town of Corunna, rendered it impossible
for his majesty to expose his troops to a recurrence
of similar calamities. It therefore became indis-
pensably necessary for the British troops to obtain
the temporary occupation of some strong fortress,
in which, in the case of reverses, tliey might find a
secure retreat, and keep open their communication
with the sea, for the purpose of either receiving
reinforcements, or, in the worst extremity, of em-
barking in safety. Although no satisfactory or dis-
tinct motive has been assigned by the Spanish go-
vernment for their rejection of his majesty's offer
to place a garrison in Cadiz, it is yet hoped that
the motives which produced that offer cannot be
misunderstood or misinterpreted. His majesty, on
his part, does not think liimself authorized, in any
degree, to complain of its rejection. So long, how-
ever, as the Spanish government sliall remain in^
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON*. 141
sensible to what appears to he as much their interest ^^'^ok iv.
i i ' CU AP. H.
as it would be essential to the safety of a Britisli v-^^-v--^-'
1809.
army in Spain, his majesty must adhere to his ori- '^i>r''-
ginal determination ; and, for the present, leave Mr! iv^.:. '
the struggle against France in Spain itself, to be
carried on by the military efforts of Spain alone.
His majesty, nevertlieless, though precluded, by
the act of the Spanish government, from joining
his military efforts to those of their own armies,
will remain faithful to his engagement. His majest\'
is persuaded that the enthusiasm of the Sp/mish
nation, for the cause of their legitimate sovereign,
and of their national independence, continues un-
impaired ; but that spirit may, too probably,
evaporate or exhaust itself to no purpose, in desul-
tory and unproductive exertions, unless their go-
vernment adopt a system of energy and decision,
adequate to the magnitude and the dangers of the
crisis in which they are placed.
No such obstacles as have prevented the assem.-
bling of a British force in Spain exist, in regard of
Portugal. The large army which his majesty has
directed to be collected in that part of the Penin-
sula, occupies the fortresses of that country ; and,
in the case of reverses, a secure port of embarkation
is at his disposal. His majesty doubts not, that in
the possession of these advantages, aided by the
142 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^^?J^if.^* efforts of the Portuguese nation, his army will be
**"'*'^'^^5j'**^ equal to the purposes ; not only of providing for
Mr cillJin to *^^^ immediate protection of Portugal, but in due
Mr. Frere. ^j^^g q^' effectually covering the adjacent provinces
of Spain.
I am commanded to state these observations to
you, in order that you may make such represen-
tations founded upon them to the Spanish govern-
ment, as you may deem to be proper and seasonable.
You will, however, most carefully avoid the ex-
pression of any sentiment which might have the
appearance of resentment or reproach; and you
will avail yourself of these observations only to
induce tb.e Spanish government to abandon the
narrow system of policy upon which they are now
acting, and to repose that unbounded confidence
in his majesty's intentions to which, from the dis-
interestedness and magnanimity that have uni-
formly marked his majesty's conduct towards
Spain, his majesty is justly entitled ; and which,
even if the intentions of his majesty could have
been originally misapprehended, the sanction in the
face of the world, by a solemn treaty of the en-
gagements which his majesty has taken in behalf
of the independence and integrity of Spain, might
liave been expected to secure to him.
UN'^DEa LORD WELLINGTON.
Ill the foUowipff brief despatch is described the sook 17,
"^ *■ CHAP. il.
first advance of the army.*
1809.
My lord,
I have the honour to inform you, that, Sf'^tJ^^f^J^*'"
in conformity with the intention which I announced ^"'*^t'«^^»eh-
* It is a matter of mere military curiosity, to insert the state
of the British army, which had taken the field under the com-
mand of lieut. -general sir John Cradock, K. B. and K. G. and
reached Leyitisk. Second in command, major-general Sher-
brooke.
Cavalry, major-general Cotton. — Commanding officers of re-
giments.— I^th Light Dragoons, colonel Hawker; 1 6th Light
Dragoons, colonel Anson ; detachment 20th Light Dragoons,
major Blake ; ditto 3d Light King's German Legion, captain
Meyer.
FIRST LINE.
Brigadier-general Campbell. — 1st Bat, Cold. Guards, Heut.'
colonel Hulse ; 1 ditto 3d Guards, colonel Stopford.
Major-general Mackenzie,— 3d Batt. 47th Regiment, lieut.-
colonel M'Lean ; 2d ditto, 31st Regiment, major Watson; 1st
ditto^ iotli Regiment, lieut.-colonel Guard.
Brigadier -general Stewart. — 29th Regiment, lieut, -colonel
White ; 1 Batt. Detachments, lieut.-colonel Bunbury.
Majfrr-general Tilson. — 1 Batt. 3d, or BufFs, Heut.-colonel
Drummond; 2 ditto 87th, major Cough; 1 ditto 88th, major
Vandeleur.
Major-general Murray, and brigadier-generals Draberg and
Langworth.— 1st Line Batt. King's GerniAU Legion, major Ro-!'
144 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP- II.
to your lordship, on the 27th April, I have assem-
iao9.""^ 't>led the army at this place, with the exception of
Lieut -^riiprai ^^^^ ^d battaliott of the 30th regiment, employed
air Arthur WeU
Icsley, K.E. to
lord viscount
Cabtlerea^h. , , ,.,.,. i i -n i- »•
Coimbra/7th ocKcr ; 2 oitto ditto, lieut.-colonel Brown ; 5 ditto ditto, major
Muj, iGOy. Gcrbcr ; 7 ditto ditto, heut-colonel Low.
SECOND LINE.
Brigadier-general A. Campbell. — 2d Batt. 7th, or Royal Fusi-
leers, lieut. -colonel sir W. Myers ; 3d Ditto, 53d, lieut.-colone!
Bingham.
Brigadier-goneral Sontag, 97th Regiment, lieut. -colonel Lyon;
2d Batt. Detachments, lieut.-colonel Copson.
Brigadier-general Cameron. — 2d Batt. 9th Foot, lieut.-Qolonel
Mollej 2d Bait, 83d, lieiit.--colonel Gordon.
RESERVE,
Major-general Hill. — 2d Batt. 48th, lieut. -colonel Duckworth;
Sth Batt, 60tli (Light) major Davcy; 2d Batt. 66th, major
Murray.
In garrison at Lisbon, 2d Batt. 30th Regiment, colonet Minnett.
Brigadier-general Howarlh, commaixling the Artillery.
Chief Engineer — Lieut.-colonel Fletcher.
Deputy ailjutant-general — Lieut.-colonel Darroch.
Deputy quarter-master-general — Colonel Dunkin.
Deputy commissary-general — P. Rawlings, Esq.
Inspector of hospitals — Alexander Thomson, Esq.
PERSONAL STAFF OF THE COMMANDER OF THE FORCES.
Lieut.-colonel Reynell, 7 1 st. Military Secretary.
Capt. Morris, 3d Foot ; capt. Burgh, 92d Foot ; ensign Free-
mantle, Coldstream Guards; viscount Ebrington, 9tli Foot,
aides-de-camp.
UNDER LORD "WELLINGTON". 14^
to garrison Lisbon, and the detachment on the ^ook iv.
^ , CHAP. II.
Tagiis under the command of maior-oeneral Mac- ""-^^/""w^
^ JO 5 809.
kenzie. -'^pf'i-
The whole were assembled here on the 5th inst. sirArthurWei-
J 1 1 ,1 • ■ r lesley, K.B. to
and, on the same day, a detachment consistnig or lord viscount
Castlereagh.
one brigade of British infantry, and one squadron
of British cavalry, and a corps of about 6,000
Portuguese troops, cavalry, infantry, and ar-
tillery, moved towards Viz'ea, under general Be-
resford, in order to operate upon the enemy's
left, while I shall move upon hi^ right at Oporto,
with the main body of the British array, and
two regiments of Portuguese infantry; the Bri-
tish advanced guard commenced its march this
morning. '-*
The enemy remained nearly in the same position,
as well on the eastern frontier, as in the northern
provinces of this kingdom, as he did when I wrote | :;
last.
No alteration whatever that 1 know of has
been made in the positions of the French army on
the Guadiana; and the only difference in this quar-
ter is, that the Portuguese general, Silveira, has
been defeated upon the Tamega, and that the
French had obtained possession of the bridge of
Amaranthe, on the 2d instant. This acquisition
is important, inasmuch as it affords them the
VOL. IV. L
145 CAMPAIGNS |N SPAIN AND PORTUGALs
^cJU^T^"^' facility of retreating through the province of
^^"^"^^^^""^ Tras Ids ]\lontes.
^•y'^- I have the honour to be, Sec.
Sir Arthur Wei- ,.,. ,^ ^ ,,^
i«ieytoiord (Signed) Arthur V/elleslet.
-viscount Cattle-
reag.h.
UNDER lORD WELX-TXCTOX.
147
CHAP. in.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE CAMVAIGN OF 1809,
UNDER SIR ARTHUR WELLESLET, (AFTER-
WARDS LORD "WELLINGTON). *■
Preparatory Circumstances and Detail. — Commji-
nications betzveen the British Cornmander-iti-Chief
and ike Allies. — Active Politico-Military Ex-
ertions of the British Minister,
MARSHAL BERESFORD had already com-
menced operations in his new character, and pre-
pared reinforcements for sir Robert Wilson, among
the mountains southward of Salamanca, as well as
an auxiliary force to general Cuesta, of between
two and three thousand men, for a post on the line
of the Thietar.
He had also issued the following general orders ;
to which, whatever exception may occur, it falls
not within the present observation.
Operations of
marshal Bercs.
ford.
148 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
K 0 0 K IV. tc jjjg royal highness the prince reafent of Por-
•CHAP. III. JO I O
''^■^^■'^^ tugal, having most graciously been pleased to en-
''^P"^- trust to field-marshal Beresford the command-in-
Gcneral orders. ... . .
chief of his armies ; the field-marshal thinks it
right, on assuming the command, to state and
declare to his comrades in arms his sentiments on
this occasion.
" The field-marshal and commander-in-chief,
during the time he served in the army which was
sent by his Britlvinic majesty to support the ad-
mirable and prodigious efforts made by the Portu-
guese, to recover their liberty and independence so
imjustly attacked, had an opportunity of becoming
intimately acquainted with the military character
of this nation ; and although he thinks he has
given the most effectual proofs of the high idea he
had formed of that character, by accepting the
above command, yet he declares, in a still more de-
cisive manner, that the command-in-chief of the
Portuguese army, could not have possibly been con-
fded to any other officer, so thoroughly convinced
of the innate military talents and disposition of the
Portuguese, who want nothing but skill and uni-
formity of plan, in the direction of their warlike
energies, to prove that they still are Mdiat they
have always been, if not the best soldiers, at least
equal to the most valiant and most intrepid troops
of Europe. The field-marshal, commander-in-chief,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON". 149
will therefore exert himself, with incessant zeal and book i\.
application, to render those qualities as efficient as
CHAT. III.
1809.
they are accustomed to be, when they are assisted ^p"'-
... General ordprs.
by a strict and well-regulated discipline. It is uni-
versally acknowledged, that the Portuguese are
loyal to their sovereign, obedient to their lawful
authorities who represent him, and that they en-
dure, without murmurs, those privations, and incon-
veniences to which armies are frequently obliged
to submit. The patriotism, energy, and enthusiasm,
of which they have but very lately given the most
unquestionable proofs j the glory which they ac-
quired in Roussillon, and the successes zvhich they
obtained on the 7iorthern frontiers, clearly shew
their determined intrepidity and valour,— qualities
which cannot but render them worthy of their
ancestors, and as illustrious as they.
" No nation, ye men of Portugal, is therefore
better qualified than you are, to become most ex
cellent troops. The field-marshal, commander-in-
chief, convinced of this trust, finds himself with
the utmost pleasure identified with the Portuguese
nation. He is a Portuguese officer, and confides
to the Portuguese his character and honour, per-
fectly satisfied that they will be preserved unim-
paired. The field-marshal, commander-in-chief,
deems it necessary to assure you^ that he will at
all time^ consider it as one of his most important
160 CAJIPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. duties, to raise and reward merit, whenever he shall
CHAP III. ' '
^-^■^^•^^^ meet with it: and that the only recommendation
1809. *'
April. lie shall notice, will be that derived from activity,
skill, valour, and patriotism, — qualities which will
at all times Hnd in him a sure and zealous protector.
The field-marshal, com mandei-- in-chief, calls tlie
attention of all the general and subaltern officers,
to the present state and improvement of the army ;
and being convinced that the best method of intro-
ducing discipline, and a strict observance of duty
in a military corps, consists in the example set by
officers, he hopes they will never fail to give
their men a lesson so necessary and important.
The field-marshal, commander-in-chief, feels anxious
to embrace the earliest opportunity of inspecting
the diffisrent corps which have already taken the
field, as well as the rest of the army ; and lae shall
avail himself of all occasions which offer to pro-
mote the satisfaction, decorum, and advantage, of
the offi'cers and soldiers who are entrusted to his
care."
' " Head-quarters, Lisbon, March 1 ^th, 1 809."
Under the circumstances also in which the com-
mander-in-chief assumed his appointment, nothing
could be more necessary than a frequent, however
cursory, retrospect of the following details.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
151
The total number of troops that embarked for
service in Spain and Portusral, in the year 1808,
r » J J J 1809.
shewing the numbers of those that have returned ^p^^'-
to Great Britain, and those remaining on service :
EMBARKED.
Field officers . ,
137
Captains . . .
404
Subalterns . .
1,158
Staff
273
Sergeants . .
2,234
Drummers . .
960
Rank and file
. 40,616
RETURNED OR RE-
MAINING ON SER-
VICE.
131
390
1,109
259
2,133
871
34,147
DEFICIENCY.
....'. 6
14
. . . . . 49
.... 14
, . . . . 101
, . . . . 89
, . . . . 6,469
The stores shipped by the store-keeper- general
for the use of the British forces serving in Spain
and Portugal, according to official returns, were,
Camp equipage for 10,000 cavalry,
Ditto . , for 48,000 infantry,
Purveyor's stores for 2 1,000 men for twelve months,
Ditto ... for 35,000 men for six months,
Extra sets of bedding . . 500
Flannel waistcoats • . . 50,000
Pairs of shoes .... 54,884
Pairs of boots, soles and heels 4,000
Shoes ditto 8,000
152 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^Z^^rlT' Sets of accoutrements . . 4,700
Extra pack-saddles and bridles 1 00
1809.
•*i*"'' Provision-marquees ... 3
The money sent from this country to Spain and
Portugal, from the first of May, 1 808, amounted,
according to an account laid before the house of
commons, to £2,896,050. 12^. 9d.
The money obtained by the negociation of bills
made payable in this country for the use of the
inhabitants of Spain and Portugal, amounts to
^220,434 I4s. 3d.
And the total of the money lost, or taken by the
enemy, during the campaign, is £,77,950.
The medicines supplied to the troops are esti-
mated at^l 1,000, exclusive of some instruments.
According to an account laid before the house
of commons, the transports employed for the trans-
portation of the army, stores, &c. to Portugal and
Spain, in the year 1808, amounted to 806, — ton-
nage, 194,670,— expense, i: 1,292,783.
Supplies to Spain. and Portugal.
The followmg is an official account of the ex-
pense incurred in furnishing arms, and other ord-
nance supplies, to; the Spaniards and Portuguese,
since May, 1808 ; prepared pursuant to an order of
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
153
the house of commons, dated March 27, 1809, bookiv.
' CHAP. in.
£670,32S 17 1.
SENT SINCE THE IST OF MAY, 1808.
Pieces of cannon 98 and 31,600 rounds of ammunition.
Howitzers .
33 7,200 ditto.
Carronades .
20 4,000 ditto.
Muskets
. 200,177
Cloth . yards
125,000
Rifles
220
Calico . do.
82,000
Swords
61,391
Serge . pieces
6,489
Pikes
79,000
Cloth . do.
4,015
Infantry accoutrement
Great coats
50,000
sets
39,000
Suits clothing
92,000
Bali cartridges
23,477,955
Shirts
35,000
Lead balls
. 6,260,000
Shoes
98,600
Whole barrels of
Shoe soles
15,000
powder
15,408
Calico pieces
22,212
Specie
=£'1,934,903
&c. &c. &c
.
Bills of exchange
Canteens .
50,000
negociated
220,409
Haversacks
54,000
Camp equipage
10,000
Hats and caps .
16,000
Tents
49,000
Pouches and belts
240,000
Linen . yards 118,000
Pieces sheeting
702
ON THEIR
PASSAGE.
Cloth . pieces 293 |
Shoes
78,000
Shirts
4,100
Shoe soles
35,000
Pouches
47,000
Boots
8,100
rm BE SHIPPED AS SOON AS RE
CEIVEU FROM CONTRACTORS.
Boots
29,400
Pouches
130,450
Shoes
233,400
Cloth . yards
125,000
Suits
100
The above account acquaints us with the quan-
t ityof articles sent, but neither infornjS us when they
were shipped off, nor when they reached Spain.
1809.
Mav.
^^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAIo
BOOK IV
CHAP. 111.
1809
Preparatory also to the useful combination of
efforts on the part of the armies about to be allied,
April. was the care of Air. Frere, to produce on the part
of the Spanish general a slower inclination for the
attack, than had been evinced by general Cuesta,
who was wanting in any thing rather than active
bravery. It is thus communicated to his friend in
power at home : —
Sir,
J. H"Frere°t'o I profit by thc detention of the Malta
Canning/*'^ packct, to inform you, in addition to my despatch
April, 'i809. of last wcck, that the junta had been for some
time exceedingly anxious to tie up general Cuesta's
hands from any measure of general attack, to which
it was appreliended he was too much inclined, it
being the opinion of all military men, and con-
firmed by the event of the battle of Medellin, that,
in the present state of the Spanish armies, a regular
pitched battle would constantly be attended with
the same results. It was agreed, therefore, that a
defensive system should be made the subject of a
specific argument, to which I, as his majesty's
minister, was to be a party ; and which, of course,
the general would not feel himself at liberty to
break through. Conformably to this idea, I wrote
. the letter, of which the inclosed is a copy, to sir
John Cradock, communicating the instructions-
UXDEa L©RD WELLINGTON. 155
BOOK rv.
CiiAP. Ill-
Catiiiiiig.
which had been transmitted to general Cuesta, and
in which it is enjoined him to remain upon the de-
fensive, with the main body of liis army, in th€ ^p'^'^-
,,-,.., r» 1 • Eight Hon. J.H.
understanding that the British army, atter beating FreretoMr
general Soult at Oporto, or driving him from
that point, and shutting him up in Gallicia, might
come down in time to act upon the flank or rear of
general Victor, in Estremadura, or pursue and
profit by his weakness, after such a loss as he would
experience in forcing a strong position, resolutely
defended by a large army, however inferior in dis-
cipline. I at the same time forwarded the accom-
panying copies of intercepted letters, of which tlie
latest appeared to point decidedly to an attack upon
Andalusia. In order that the British might not be
exposed to an attack from the comhiued forces of
marshals Soult and Victor, who might march for-
ward, after having routed general Cuesta ; it was
to be considered as a condition, that that general
should, as far as possible, avoid an action.
A translation of this letter was communicated to
the junta, and to general Cuesta, and I accordingly
took an opportunity, at the end of it, of making an
indirect anssver to many solicitations and represen-
tations, which had been made to me on the subject
of the 40th regiment.
In pursuance to the anxious wish which I have
entertained, to see a diversion made on the side of
156
BOOK IV,
CHAP. HI.
1809.
Canning.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
La Manclia, under the command of the duke of
Albuquerque, I took an opportunity, founded upon
April. this communication, to write a letter to general
-Right hon. J.H. ^^
FreretoiMr. Cucsta upou this SLibject. I liavc not yet received
his answer.
The question of the direction in which the force
at Alcantara had arrived, and Which was still in
doubt at the date of my last despatch, was, as you
will see, sir, decided, by the intercepted letters
above mentioned. I am sorry to add, that, by sir
R. Wilson s account, the safety of this detachment,
in so long and exposed a march, is to be attributed
to the panic and negligence of the Portuguese, who
retired immediately upon the approach of the
enemy. Sir Robertas last letter is dated the 15th,
from Castello Branco, from whence he was going
"to Thomar, upon a summons to confer with gene-
ral Bercsford ; I earnestly wish that the result may
be some immediate operation upon the right flank
of the enemy, or, at least, upon his communications.
The possession of Elvas, Badajos, and Alcantara,
seems to afford every opportunity for efforts of
this natui-e. In the mean time, however, we learn
that marshal Soult has evacuated Oporto, but we
are still at a loss as to the direction which, he has
taken, whether to unite himself with his garrisons
in Gallicia, or to come and join himself with gene-
ral Victor: nor does the expression of Joseph Buo-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 157
naparte, " That Victor is not to advance till he is book iy.
. . . . CHAP. III.
joined by La Pisse, and till he receives news from '^-•-^r^'**-/
marshal Soult," enable us to.clearup the difficulty, April'.
though it seems rather to point to the latter con- Frfre tHir. *
, . Canning.
elusion.
I have the honour to inclose general Cuesta's
report, received yesterday, and another of the 21st,
in which he details the disposition of his force, and
his plan of defence. It is, I am afraid, to be
feared, that so much cavalry will rather prove an
incumbrance, at least in the event which we must
look to, of defending the narrow passes. The
general appears so far aware of this, that he has
ordered the further reinforcements of this army,
which were coming to join him, to halt, beside the
cavalry enumerated in general Cuesta's statement
above-mentioned, and which amounts to 3,990.
There are stationed in his rear at Gerona, Guillena,
and Algaroba, the six regiments of Rey, Bourbon,
Pavia, Saguntum, volunteers of Madrid and Seville,
which may serve in case of extremity to cover the
retreat of the army after being forced from the
strong pass of Heradura, on this side of Ronquillo.
The road from Guellena to St. Olalla, is one con-
tinued defile.
It is, perhaps, to be wished, that some part of the
3,990 cavalry, which would be cut oif in case of
the army being driven back into the strong imprac-
^•5S CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^ciiAi. in. " ticable country, should be sent betimes into the
rear, instead of beinsr left to encumber the retro-
L809. '^"'j ...vyLv,t*v. w. i^viii^
April. ^rade movements of the infantry, in a situation in
Freic-toMr. which their service could not possibly be made
Canning. ' •'
useful. Their present utility in aunoying and
harassing the enemy appears too slight to justify
so great a risk.
I have the honour to be, &c.
J. H. Frere.
A few days after, Mr. Frere thus communicates
answers to the \vhole : —
My dear sir,
Sir Artluir 'v^'cI-
jesioy to Mr. I reccivcd ycstcrday your letter of the
Frere.
vii!;i Franca. 2 Ist instaut, too:ether with one from 2;eneral Cuesta,
April 29, 1809. ° ^
and one from Don Martin de Garay. I send you
the copy of the answer which I have written to
the former, and my answer to the latter. According
to my instruction, I think that I ought not to have
any communication with the Spanish government,
excepting through you, and if you should be of the
5am e opinion, I request you to tell Don Martin,
that I can communicate with him only through
you, and acquaint him with my sentiments as con-
tained in the inclosed letter.
I hope that the Spaniards will adhere to their
determination of acting upon the defensive, till I
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 159
shall' return to the eastward ; they should reinforce so ok iv.
' '' CHAP. in.
Cuesta as much as possible; he has only 19,000 ^""^'^y*^
infantry, and 1,500 cavalry, as he tells me in his ^p"'-
Sir Arthur Wel-
letter of the 23(1. It M'ill also be very deswable, lesiejtoMr.
Frere.
that Cuesta should observe the motions of the
French if they should enter Alentejo, and follow
them. If their object should be to invade Portugal,
which, however, is very improbable, — at all events,
if they should invade Portugal, we shall not be
without a force upon the Tagus, and in the passes
of the mountain between Alcantara and Abrantes.
I recommend that Cuesta should observe Victor's
movements in Alentejo, because it is not impossible
that he might enter that province, with a view to
the invasion of Andalusia. It is very improbable,
however, that in the present state of the French
force in Spain he will move at all till he will have
heard of Soult.
Ever yours, most sincerely,
Arthur Wellesley.
P. S. In respect to the 40th regiment, I certainly
must have it; but in the present state of affairs, I
think it best it should remain at Seville till I shall
be able to lix upon a safe route for it.
And upon *these subjects, the closest of all,
thus writes the cornmaiider-in-chief :
[60 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOKIl^ Si
CHAP. III. '
^■^'^Y'''^*-' I have had the honour of receiving your
April. excellency's letter of the 21st, and am happy to
Sir Arthur Wel- . i-iTiiii.J
lesiey to M. de find that thc plan of operations which 1 had acloptea
Garay. i • j* 1
Villa Franca, for the tioops undcr my command immediately
29thAprill809 ' ...
Upon my arrival in this country, and upon which
they have already marched; viz. — to remove
Soult from the north of Portugal, is approved by
the supreme junta. As soon as that operation will
be performed, it is my intention to collect the whole
of the army under my command on the east fron-
tier of Portugal, and to co-operate by every measure
in mypowerwith Cuesta, in attack upon marshal
Victor. In the mean time, I cannot sufficiently
recommend a strict defensive in all quarters. In
the present situation of affairs, we have every reason
to hope, that in a short time we shall be able to
CO- operate in a vigorous attack upon the whole re-
maining force of the enemy, in which attack we
liave reasonable prospect of success, if we do not
lose any of the valuable positions which we still
possess, or the men which defend them, in fruitless
attack of the enemy in the plains.
It cannot be a matter of such importance,
whether they possess for a short time longer more
or less of the plains of La IMancha, provided the
Spanish troops do not incur the risk of sustaining
a fresh defeat by the superior cavalry of the enemy.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON". l6l
and by diminishing the strength and efficiency of
the corps destined to defend the passes of the ^^^^
Sierra ]\Iorena, with the loss of those important -^p"'-
. , Sir Arthur Wel-
positions, and of all that remams that is valuable, icsie^r to m. de
Garay.
I do not conceive that the enemy are now in a
situation to undertake any thing of importance,
particularly till they will hear of marshal Soult ;
and, if this be true, there is every prospect of ul-
timate success, if we should wait till all t^n join
in the attack of Victor.
(Signed) Arthur Wellesley.
His excellency continues more fully to the Spa*
nish general with whom he is to co-operate.
Sir,
I had the honour of receiving yesterday sir Arthur Wei-
<-> '^ " lesley to gene-
your excellency's letter, of the 23d of April, and yju^ p^'g^.^.^
I assure your excellency, that it will gi^^e me the ig^g^^"''
greatest satisfaction to co-operate with your ex-
cellency, as far as may be in my power, to defeat
those forces of the enemy which thr^ten the
cities of Seville ami Lisbon. Your excellency
must be aware of the state of the Portuguese army ;
a commencement has only lately been made to or-
ganize and discipline it ; and although I have the
utmost reliance on the valour, tlie zeal, and the
loyalty, of the troops in Portugal. I cannot,
VOL. IV. M
162 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^cH?r!^iny' ^^ ^^'^ moment, consider them in such a state of
'^■^^^j^'*^ discipline as to confide to their exertions the safety
April. Qf Portugal, which is especially committed to my
Sir Arthur Wel-
esiey to gene- carc, against the further attempts which may be
made upon it by the disciplined troops of France,
which have already invaded and are in possession
of an important part of this kingdom. Under these
circumstances, my attention has necessarily been
directed : In the first instance, to remove from
Portugal the further evils with which both Spain
and Portugal are threatened by marshal Soult ; and
the greatest part of the army, under my com-
mand, is now on its march for that purpose, A
small detachment of British troops, with one of
Portuguese troops, will remain upon the Tagus to
watch the movements of the enemy, and to guard
the passage of that river, in case the enemy should
direct his attack upon this country. If I should
succeed in removing marshal Soult from the north
of Portugal, I intend to go forthwith with all the
troops under my command, (consisting of about
25,000 men, of which nearly 4000 will, at that
time, be cavalry,) to the eastern frontier of Por-
tugal in the neighbourhood of Elvas, and I shall
be happy to co-operate with you in any place
which may be agreed upon for the attack of Victor.
In the mean time a detachment of the garrison of
Elvas has been directed to take the field in co-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. l6S
BOOK IV.
Cll AP. III.
1809.
ral tuesta.
Operation with a similar detachment of the garri-
son of Badajos, to act as a corps of observation in
that quarter; but I cannot avoid taking this op- -^p"'-
. 1 . 111''''^ Arthur Wei-
portunity of recommending, that this corps should lesicy to gen?-
not be exposed to the attack of the enemy, or to
be cut off from the garrisons to which the parts
of it respectively belong. In the present situation
of affairs, all that we require is time, and that we
should not lose our men, or any of the valuable
positions which we still possess. In a short time
we shall all be enabled to co-operate in a vigorous
attack upon the enemy ; and, till that period will
arrive, it is not very material whether he acquires
a little more of the open country, provided we do
not lose any of the men who are destined to de-
fend the valuable points and positions which re-
main in our hands. Your excellency is mistaken
respecting the position of sir Robert Wilson's
corps. He has been remanded to the neighbour-
hood of the Douro, to confine himself in that
quarter. I consider the possession of Alcantara,
however, so important at this moment, in respect
both to the defence of Portugal, and to our future
design upon Victor, that I wmU give diiections
that it should be occupied by a Portuguese, if it
should be possible to form one fit for that purpose.
I shall be obliged to you if you will give directions
M 2
1(54!
BOOK IV.
CHAP. III.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIJTAND PORTUGAL,
that any Portuguese or British corps, which may
1809. S^ ^° Alcantara, may be received there,
e- /r"^',., . I ^^^^'^ written to your excellency a lono: letter
Sir Arthur VVel- _ «/ v' o
lesiey to gene- in EngHsli, unclerstandinQ^ that you have officers
under your command in your confidence, who can
explain it to you, in which I have taken thehberty
of giving you my opinion with great freedom. I
hope that you will receive them as they are iu'
tended, as a mark of my sincere desire to be of
use to you, as fur as is in my power at present,
M'hich I hope and believe, from the situation of
the enemy, I shall have still better opportunities
of proving to you before much time will elapse.
(Signed) Arthur Welles ley*
And, upon one of the most delicate of topics,
thus easily writes M. de la Cuesta in his answer to
Mr. Frere.
Most excellent Sir,
General Cuesta I havc cousidcred thc couteuts of vour
toRJr. Frcre. "
Monasterio. cxccllency's vcry polite letter of the 22d instant,
oOth April, J J I »
1809. (which I received yesterday by the common post,
with the consequent delay,) which solicits my co-
operation with your excellency, in order that ge-
neral Vanegas may be replaced by the duke of
Albuquerque, in the army of La Mancha^ and
that the former should come and serve under my
UNDEll LORD WELLINGTOlSr. }65
BOOK IV.
CHAP. III.
1809.
to Mr. Frcre.
immediate orders, which your excellency tliinks
would be advisable, considering all that has hap-
pened in that army, and other reasons which you ■'^p"'-
General Cues! r^
give.
Your excellency will allow me to declare, witlx
my characteristic frankness, that I am, to a certain
degree, forbidden to enter into them, considering
that the supreme junta, upon mature considera-
tion ; and having brought him from such a distance
as Valencia, named general Vanegas, to command
the army of La Mancha, the duke of Albuquerque
being at that time at Seville, which does not di-
minish his merit, but, no doubt, ought to make
me abstain from entering upon the question you
treat of, however well I may know the brilliant
qualities wliich adorn the duke, and however sin-
cere the affection which I profess for him. Above
all, I regret that the circumstances which I men-
tion deprive me of the particular satisfaction which
I should have in obliging your excellency ; and I
wish for other opportunities of giving you proofs
of the sincere esteem and regard with which I
have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) GiiEOORiA de la Cuesta.
Though the following document is rather poli-
tical than military, yet it is, in one respect, so
5^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^c^.?i.^^in^'' closely connected with the history of the cam-
^^„<^ paign, as to be identified with it. It decides a
-Vii- point in which the preceding book, and the narra-
tive of the operations which formed its subject, are
at issue ; the confidence due to Mr. Frere, on those
matters in which he so essentially differed from sir
John Moore.
Can.?ng1o^-the " ^^ "^7 clcspatch," says Mr. Canning, " written
abiej.Tuw. ^^^^^' tl^^ arrival in this country of Don Pedro Ce-^
ist^ily.im). vallos, as ambassador-extraordinary, from his Ca-
tholic majesty ; and, in his royal name, from the
supreme and central junta of Spain and the Indies,
I stated to you, by his majesty's command, that
his majesty had not then determined whether this
mission might, or might not, require a correspond-
ent mission on his majesty's part, of a minister in-
vested with a similar diplomatic character.
" The continued stay of Don Pedro Cevallos in
this country, induces the supposition, that the
junta may possibly expect a return to the compli-
ment which they paid to his majesty, and the pro-
bability that other powers of Europe, particularly
Austria, may send a person of ambassadorial rank
to Seville, appears to render it expedient, that the
British mission, at that residence, should be placed
forthwith on the highest footing, both in respect
to personal rank and diplomatic character.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 1^7
BOOK IV.
CHAP. m.
1809.
" From these considerations, his majesty has been
graciously pleased to appoint the marquis Wellesley
to proceed to Seville, with the character of his ^^"y.
Mr. Secretary
majesty's ambassador-extraordinary and plenipo- Canning to th
tentiary ; and I am commanded by his majesty to abiej.H.frere
direct you to announce to the junta the appoint-
ment of this nobleman, and to inform them, that
he has received his majesty's command to repair
to his post with the least possible delay.
*' I am to direct you to continue in the exercise of General appro
•^ bation of his
your functions, until the arrival of the marquis political miii-
'' *■ tary conduct.
Wellesley ; and I am especially co7nmanded to re-
peat to you the expression of his majesty s 7?iost
gracious approbation of your general conduct in
that arduous and delicate situation, during a
period of unexampled interest, difficulty, and
embarrassment.
" I am, &c.
(Signed) ^* George Canning."
Nothing can be more important than this decla-
ration of approval from his majesty's government,
of the conduct of Mr. Frere, after the severe scru-
tiny which it had undergone in parliament, and by
almost every class of the pubhc.
And the more so, because Mr. Frere seemed
evidently to have satisfied both the government
and people of Spain, during a period the most cii-
J 58
BOOK IV.
CHAP. III.
380'J.
CAMPAIGNS^IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
tical, when the British army appeared to have
resigned, as entirely hopeless, the Spanish cause ;
^^y- and to have taken with advantage, and with
Mr. Secretary .
Canning to the the acquiescencc of the new commander-in-chief,
light honour-
able J. H.Frere. a more active part than ever in the discussion, and
aid, of mihtar}^ operations, in the commencement
of this campaign. ' ■
A degree of energy in the cause of active in-
quiry, and discriminative zeal, is evident through
the whole of the preceding communications ; and
that freedom of action which, above all things,
bounded by that due caution which will ever mark
the projects of a great general, cannot fail to be
advantageous even under the worst of circum-
stances.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 16^
CHAP. IV.
HARCH OF THE ARMY UNDER SIR ARTHUR WEL-
LESLEY, AND DISPOSSESSION OF THE FRENCH
FROM THE NORTH OF PORTUGAL.
British Line of Battle. — Rapid Advajice of the
Troops. — Stratagem of Marshal Soidt. — Actio?i
at Oporto. — Destructive Pursuit of Soulfs
Artny. — Rapid Return of the British Army to
the Southward.
Sir Arthur Wellesley having arrived at Co- book iv-
CHAP. IV.
imbra on the 2d of May, with a reception worthy v.^^-y-^w'
of the hero of Vimiera, a general peal of bells, fire- Maj.'
works, and illuminations, (to which the judicious
commander did not fail to return the imposing hom-
age of a numerous staff, and at the same time with
every demonstration of amenity), as he passed
through an acclaiming multitude, to the rich au-
gustine monastery of Santa Cruz, appointed his
ffo
hOOK IV.
CHAl'. IV.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
head-quarters,— reviewed the army on the fine plain
^g^^ below the city, on the 6th of May. Nothing
^^^^- could be more satisfactory.
March of the
army uuder sir The Staff, as hath already been partly described,
A. Wellesley. ^ r J »
preceded the order of battle, as follows : —
Lieut- gen. the right hon. sir A. Wellesley, K. B.
commander of the forces.
Lieut-colonel Bathurst, military secretary.
Captains. — The hon. Fitzroy Stanhope,
Lord Fitzroy Somerset, f Aids-de
George Bouverie, ^ camp.
C. F. Canning,
Major-generals Sherbrooke, ^Servingwith
Paine, ^ local rank of
Lord W. Bentinck,^lieut. -gene-
Hon. E. Paget. J^'^^^*
Cotton,
Hill.
Murray,
Erskine,
M'Kenzie,
Tilson.
JJrigadier-generals A, Campbell,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. j-j
H. F. Campbell, book iv.
R. Stewart, ^^chap.^^^
Cameron, ^jj^;
Fane,
Drieberp;,
Langwortb.
• Colonel Donkin, colonel on the staff
Adjutant-general's department.
Brigadier-general the hon. C, Stewart, adjutant-
general,
Lieut.-colonels Darrock, 36th regiment,
Lord Aylmer, Coldstream,
Edwards, Heimber, 6$th regiment,
Elley, horse-guards.
Majors, Tidy, 14th regiment,
Williamson, 30th,
Berkelv, and
C. Campbell.
Assistant-adjutant-generals.
Captains Cotton, Elliot, Dashwood, Graham,
Cockburn, Mellish, and During,
Deputy assistant-adjutant-generals.
Quarter-master-generals' department.
Col. Murray, 3d guards, quarter-master-general,
Lieut-col. Dclancey, dep. quarter-master-general.
17^ CA3IPAIGNS IN SPAIISir AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
ciiAr. iv;
1309.
Lieutenant-colonels Bathurst, Bourke.
Majors Blaquire, .and Morthey,
^^"^'" Assistant quarter-masters-general.
Caj^tains Mercer, Sutton, Langton, Kelly, Haver-
field, Scovii, Waller, and Beresford,
Deputy assistant quarter-mastei-generals. -
The army is brigaded, and will stand in line as
follows : viz.
CAVALRY.
Lieutenant-gen. Payne, and major-gen. Cotton,
14tli light dragoons, colonel Hawker,
20th ditto. ^ major Blake,
3d K.'s Ger. It. hussars, It.-col. Arentschild,
l5th light dragoons colonel Anson.
GUARDS.
Brigadier-general H. F. Camphell.
1st battalion Coldstream, lieutenant-col. Hulse,
1st battalion 3d regiment, hon. colonel Stopford,
1st con)pany 60th captain Haines.
INFANTRY.
1st brigade, major-general Hill.
3d or buffs, lieut-col. Muter,
UNDER lORD- W^ELLINGTON. .|78
66th reffiraent, 2d bat. maior Murray, book iv.
<-> ^ O J ^ CHAP. IV.
48th ditto. Ueut-colonel Duckworth. ^*-^-v-^>
1809.
60th 1st company. ^W-
3d brigade, major-general Tilson.
60th, 5 companies, major Woodgate,
88th, Isthattahon, major Vandeleur,
]st battalion Portuguese grenadiers,
,87th, 2d battalion, major Gough.
5 th brigade, brigadier-general A Campbell.
7th, 2d battalion, lieut.-colonel sir W. Myers,
53d, ditto. lieut.-colonel Bingham,
l6th Potuguese, 1st bat. Heut. -colonel Oliver,
6oth, 1 company.
7th brigade, brigadier-general Cameron.
9th regiment, lieutenant-colonel Molle,
10th Portuguese, 2d battalion,
83d regiment, ditto, lieutenant-col. Gordon,
60th, 1 company.
6th brigade, brigadier-general R. Stewart.
* Detachments 1st battalion, lieut.-col. Bunbury,
l6th Portuguese regiment, lieut.-colonel Doyle,
29th regiment, lieut.-colonel White,
* The battalions of detachments were formed of those soldiers
of sir John Moore's army who were left sick in Lisbon, or fcU
out from sickness in the march through Portugal to Salamanca,
and the sick and. st8.asgi.ers dyrirg the retreat toCorunna.
174 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTU($AI,
4th brigade, brigadier-general Sontag.
* Detachments 2d battahon, lieut.-col. Copson,
1 6th Portuguese.
P7th regiment, lieut.-col. Lyon,
90th, 1 company.
2d brigade, major-general Mackenzie.
27th regiment, 3d bat. lieutenant-col. Maclean,
45th ditto 1st, lieutenant-col. Guard,
31st ditto 2d, major Watson.
king's GERMAN LEGION.
Major-general IVfurray, with
Brigadier-generals Drieberg, and Langsvorth,
ROYAL ARTILLERY.
Brigadier-general Howarth,
Lieut— colonels Framlingham, and Robe,
In the folloM'ing letter, addressed to his own mi-
nister, the Spanish general is, however, less scru-
pulous in his remarks, and these most painfully
recall the memory to those scenes of the last book
from which they have been deduced. This is
compensated, however, in a great degree, by find-
ing the defence of Alcantara, at least, omitted in
* See note to preceding page.
UNDER LORt> WELLINGTON. 175
tii€ acerbity of general Cuesta's remarks upon the book iv.
Other parts of the plan, v,^.^^^
^ r 1809.
May.
Most excellent Sir,
Nothing new has occurred to-day in the toTrdeConS.
vanguard of this army. The enemy, who had MontSoS
left iVlerida, in the direction of Carecus, and had "•^'
gone as far as the Casas De St. Antonio, have re-
turned to the former place and its neighbourhood,
where they continue fortifying themselves.
I have received to-day a very polite and attentive
answer from sir Arthur Wellesley, dated Villa
Franca, the 29th ultimo, by which he appears
determined to march, with nearly the whole of his
force, against marshal Soult, at Oporto, consisting
of about 20,000 infantry and 4000 cavalry, (for
which place he was already on his march,) besides
the Portuguese army, amounting to something less.
This operation completed, he has great hopes of
making the French retire from thence ; and, coming
afterwards with his troops towards Elvas, to act
in concert with me, and drive the enemy from
Estremadura. By this I see that he has only in
view the driving the French from Portugal towards
^linho, by which operation we should gain little
or nothing ; for Soult would return and unite him-
self with the forces which he has in Gallicia, and
subject still more that kingdom, without the pea-
^76 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^c^fp^ivT' ^^^^U or the marquis of Romana being sufficient
****^;(^7*^ ^^ hinder it. It appears to me that the object of
^%- tlie Enghsh general should be, to surround the
General Cuesta
toM.de Cornel, rrench m Oporto, or place himself between that
city and the Minho, to hinder such a retreat, con-
sidering the superiority of allies. By this position
they would prevent, also, the arrival of succours
which Soult may receive from Gallicia. I know-
not whether the observation, which I propose
making on this subject, will arrive in time, or, if
they do, wliether they will have any effect. The
Remarks on the svntem ot the British appearins: to be never to ex-
British system . .
under sir/. pQse thcir troops, owing to which they never gain
decisive actions by land, and sacrifice those in con-
tinned retreats and precautions, as happened to ge-
neral Aloore, from not having attacked the enemy
in time at Sahagun and Placentia, before they were
reinforced. He speaks again of a camp of obser-
vation between Elvas and Badajos, composed of a
small detachment from each place ; so that the re-
treat of neither could be cut off by the enemy.
I do not see the utility of this, especially for
us; this small corps not being able either to ob-
serve or resist the enemy. In like manner he says,
that brigadier-general Wilson has been destined
with the troops, under his command, to the banks
of the Douro, though he thinks the bridge of Al-
cantara is of importance to be preserved, to which
I
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 177
point he will send a corps of Portuguese troops, if
any capable of defending it can be formed ; and he ^^^^
requests to me to give orders, at the above place, ^^^^y-
General Cuesta
for the admission of whatever English or Portu- toM.deComci.
guese troops may arrive there, to which I can see
no objection. He wishes, also, to persuade me
not to undertake any thing against Victor, till he
should return from his expedition to Oporto ; in
which case he repeats, that he will come down
upon Elvas, and act in concert with rae, to drive
them out of the province.
(Signed) Gregoria de la Cuesta.
Mr. Frere, ever active, very early furnished am-
ple details to the British general, as will appear
from the following despatch : —
Dear Sir,
By information received last nioht, it ap- Mr. Frere to sir
•^ =• ' ^ A. Wclleslev.
pears certain that a body of French, calculated at
about 15,000 men, have left Arragon ; they passed
through the town of Alagon on the 4th ultimo, in
the direction of Tudela, which they would reach
on the l6th. By letters from Madrid, it appears
that this force was understood to be marching to
the assistance of marshal Ney, from whom no in-
telligence had been received for some time past.
This agrees perfectly with a passage in an inter-
VOL. IV. N
Seville, 4th
May, 1809.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND t»ORTUGAL,
cepted letter from king Joseph to Sebastian!, dated
Madrid, 9th of April, in which he says, *' Je ne
veux rien entreprendre sur Valence tant que je
n'aurais des nouvelles du M. Ney, et que je ne
s^aurais la destruction totale du corps de la Ro-
niana ;" a combination of ideas, which docs not
appear so obvious or capable of explanation under
any other supposition, as under that of the march
of the army of Arragon towards Gallicia and As-
turias.
It has'been an object of constant anxiety with
me to accomplish the destruction of the roads
leading from Ponferrado and Villa Franca, into
Gallicia. Orders have been given to that effect,
and I have been assured, by intelligence from
thence, that they have been carried into execution.
Nevertheless, in order, if possible, to obtain a
greater security since the news of the marquis of
Romana's success at Villa Franca, I prevailed upon
the government to send instructions to the autho-
rities of those towns, for their complete and ef-
fectual obstruction. If this should have been
effected, (and I should imagine almost in any case,)
the same reasons, and much stronger ones, which
gave rise to this march, for the relief of marsJial
Ney, would lead the enemy to proceed to the re-
lief of the more competent corps under marshal
Soult, exposed, as it is, to the arrival of the army
UNDER LORD WELLINCTOK. 179
under your command ; a circumstance, as I appre- ^^^k iv.
'' ' ' 1 r CHAP. rv.
liend, orio-inally out of the contemplation of the ^^-^^^"^-^
usurped government, and classed hy them among ^%-
Blr. Frere lo
the many illusive reports, by which the Spaniaids sirA. Weiie«-
ley.
endeavour to keep up the spirits of their country-
men. Our intelligence from the north is so tardy,
and so precarious, that I can hardly venture to
speak, with any degree of certainty, as to the
amount of the reinforcements, which he may be
able to pick up on his march ; but, except at
Burgos and Zamore, I do not imagine that, upon
any one point, they would find more than 1000
men.
The division which reached Alcantara, consisted
of the whole of the regiments formerly at Sala-
manca. At Zamora, it was said there were 1500
infantry and 500 horse. From Burgos we have no
intelligence ; but the general amount there has
usually varied from 2000 to 600 men.
As I apprehend that the intelligence from Arra-
gon may so far vary your plan, as to induce you to
push with greater eagerness for the destruction
of marshal Soult, instead of leaving him to re-
treat, with the possibility of uniting and becoming
again a formidable force, by the addition of the
corps of marshal Ney, and the division from Arra-
gon, I shall prepare the government here for the
probability of such a determination.
N 2
180
BOOK IV.
C((AP. IV.
1809
k-v
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIX AND PORTUGAL,
Before the arrival of this inteUigeiice, I had a
discussion upon the supposition of your accom-
^^"y- plishing tlie plan, wliich you communicated, of
Mr. Frere to ^ ^
sir A. Welles- comiug' dowu upou Estrcmadura, to co-operate with
general Cuesta, after having determined M. Soult
to a retreat upon GalHcia. AVith this view I in-
sisted upon a plan, the utility of which is acknow-
ledged by every one, and which has been already
experienced, I mean an offensive operation on the
side of La ]\Iancha.
The partial success of such an operation, under
the duke of Albucjuerque, had the effect of re-
tarding the plans of the enemy for upwards of a
month ; and, if he had not been withheld by posi-
tive orders, there can be little doubt that the
southern campaign would have been still more com-
pletely disconcerted. It is obxious that success,
on this side, menaces IMadrid ; and the example of
count Cartaojal's defeat ought to set us at ease
even to the consequences wliich might be appre-
hended from a repetition of the same misfortune.
Not onlv the nature of the couutrv, and the dis-
tribution of the enemy's force; but the intelligence
which we constantly receive, and the intercepted
letters of the enemy, particularly one from king
Joseph to Scbastiani, " telling him that he is to at-
tempt nothing till Victor is at Seville," are sufficient
to shew that we have no real attack to fear, except
UNDER LORD AVELLINGTOX: 18l
"on the side of Estremadiira. It is equally evident book iv.
'■ '' CHAP. IV.
that the only real and immediate danger to the ^*^T^^C^^
-J '^ 1809
enemy, is on the side of La IVIancha. ^%-
- ^Ir. Frerc to
We have there, at this moment, 10,000 mfantry, sirA. Weiie.>
k'y.
and 1 300 cavalry, fit for action ; and, of the latter,
a larger number disabled, for \vant of various ac-
coutrements. Seven hundred are on their march :
We have here, under the orders of the duke of
Albuquerque, a force of 300 cavalry, considered
as a part of the army of Estremadura, but \yhich
are obliged to remain on this side of Sierra Morena,
from tlie impossibility of proceeding thereon with
forage. Their situation, however, was not con-
sidered devoid of utility, at a time when it was
apprehended Victor might risk an attack upon ge-
neral Cuesta, in his defensive position, and force
the different points which guard the entrance into
Andalusia. It was considered that the cavalry, so
stationed, might serve to cover the retreat of the
infantry, and enable them to re-unite, with less
confusion and dispersion, under the walls of this
city ; since your arrival, however, an attack of
this kind is no longer to be feared, as j\I. Victor
had orders (before it was even expected) " not to
attack till he had been joined by the division
from Salamanca, and had received news from M.
Soult ;" and, even if it were, general Cuesta has
B O O K IV.
CHAP. IV.
1809.
May.
Mr. Frere to
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND POllTUGAL,
with him 4000 cavahy;and surve3's of the country
have been made, and precautions taken to enable
them, as soon as the enemy should be engaged in
sir A. Welles- the dcfilcs, to retreat and form in the rear, for the
purpose before-mentioned. We have, therefore,
3000 cavalry, who would be kept there without
use or excuse, of any kind, and who might be
most profitably and importantly employed in a di-
version of 5000 cavalry, with a sufficient pro-
portion of infantry, which, if the enemy refused
to attend to it, would become a serious and, per-
haps, a decisive operation. The real difficulty is
this; — this division is under the command of Al-
buquerque; he has been successful in a similar
command ; he is adored by the army, and in the
province, (La Mancha,) if the division were to be
sent ; the expedition could not, in justice, be en-
trusted to other hands, especially as he is a cavalry
officer, which general Vanegas (who commands at
Carolina) is not.
My fear is, that the military junta will separate
this force of 3000 men, in order to leave the duke,
with whatever part is detained here, in the most
painful predicament possible, and send the other
under the command of Vanegas, giving him, at
the same time, discretionary, instead of positive,
orders ; a measure against which it is impossible to
UNDER LORD WF.LLIXGION. 183
BOOK IV.
CHAP. IV.
1809.
object, without undertaking a responsibility for all
the consequences : they will contrive, in this man-
ner, to cripple and defeat the whole operation. ^^*y-
' ' . ' Mr. Frere to
J\ly opinion of these gentlemen is founded upon sir A.Wcik*-
a general observation of their conduct, confirmed
by the general voice of the public, and most par-
ticularly impressed on my own mind with respect
to this very subject, by a long conference which he
had with them yesterday. As it was my object to
obtain a diversion in La Mancha, as the price of
co-operation on your part; and the impression
which they received from colonel Alava's report
was, that your intention was, after defeating or
driving Soult into Gallicia, to come down upon
Estremadura, to attack general Victor ; I w^s
under some disadvantage, inasmuch as they ima-
gined that the point, which I wanted to make a
condition, was already conceded. This morning,
however, the minister and section of war shewed
me the inclosed letter, which they had received
from general Cuesta, which seemed to have brought
them a little to reason ; and will, I hope, have the
same effect upon the gentlemen of the junta,
above-mentioned. They seemed disappointed ; but
I did not, under the present circumstances, ex-
pect any thing, but that you will maintain a de-
fensive system in the north of Povtugal^ exposed.
^^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. IV,
1809.
as 3'ou are, to a force so niuch greater than that
which you reckoned upon at the time of writing
Mr FrlTto ^^^^^ letter, unlcss they will voluntarily^ and, in
sir A. Welles- the hopcs of assistaucc from England, make those
efforts which necessity, sooner or later, will oblige
them to make ; and employ the only person they
have now disposable, who enjoys, in any degree,
the confidence of the army, and the reputation of
military skill and success.
When I speak above of an attack upon Victor,
as a condition, which I thought myself authorised
to offer, I follow nearly the expression of your
letter to me ; but I did not, by any means, ex-
press an expectation or a wish that the British
army, under your command, should compromise
itself any farther than by occupying a position on
the north of the Tagus, together with Alcantara,
a measure which would naturally oblige Victor to
retreat by the bridge of Ahnaray, (if he could re-
establish it,) exposed, as he would be, to all the
difBculties arising from the situation of the two
armies ; if he wished to preserve his baggage and
artillery, or abandoning both, by the bridge of
Arzobispo, which he must reach by roads impass-
able to carriages, if not to cavalry, a situation
very little removed from capitulation.
I took an opportunity to say to theni, " Gentle-
BOOK IV.
CHAP. IV.
1809.
ley.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. l85
men, the honour of the British army will be re-
covered by the defeat or capitulation of marshal
Soult. The appearance of a British force will de- ^%-
IMr. Frere to
termine the retreat of marshal Victor, and relieve sirA.w«iies-
you from your present apprehensions, if you wish
that this retreat should be ruinous, or that we
should have the satisfaction of seeing a fourth
French army capitulate in Spain ; the decision is in
your hands : but you must not expect that we
should make efforts, if you are unwilling to co-
operate."
It was concluded that general Cuesta, to whose
army the 3000 cavalry, before-mentioned, belong,
should be written to. I have already mentioned
my fear, that they would separate this force ; and,
my persuasion is, that they will contrive that it
shall be general Cuesta's doing ; to obviate this
will require a determined declaration on your part,
which I shall support and justify most steadily here.
I will now conclude this long letter, only wish-
ing, if you see the two main points of it, an opera-
tion on the side of La jNIancha, and the appoint-
ment of a proper person to conduct it in a less
important view than I do, you would have the
kindness, frankly, to tell m,e so, in order that I
may not expose myself to the reflection of being
more eager upon a point foreign to my profession,
sir
ley,
186 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.
^^^^ J^'* ^^^^^ the person best acquainted with the subject,
^— ''■■"^^'""*-^ and most immediately interested.
^^■•'y- Colonel Alva will have given you a very correct
Mr. I'rere to r • i ^ r ^
A.Welles- Statement, as tar as it was known here, ot the
force of the enemy in La Mancha and Estrema-
dura. No change has to my knowledge, or that
of the government, taken place since his depar-
ture.
I remain, &c.
(Signed) J. II. Frere.
These details are additionally explained in the
following despatch, to the right honourable George
Canning : —
fbrt^HTTr- I liatl the honour of receiving your despatches
».)Mr.s.;crctury ^q j^^y^ og inclusivc, bv tlic messensjcr Meates, on
Canning. ' 'J o '
mI''!^i8o$. ^^""^ ^^^^^ "^t* ^"*^^ ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^' ^^ ^y t^^^ messen-
ger Lyell, who arrived here on Friday morning.
Though a longer interval than usual has elapsed
since the date of my last despatches, little of any
interest has taken place in any quarter.
Both the armies of Estremadura remain in that
state of inactivity, which it is so much our interest
they should observe ; in the mean time the pea-
santry, and irregular volunteer force, are beginning
to swarm round the French army on the side of
U!?DER LORD WELLINGTON. 187
Zafra; and, besides having repulsed the attack ^^^^^^J;^^'
which was made upon that town, they have sur- ^^^^^^
prised some of the enemy's advanced posts, and ^^^•y-
are acting in concert and communication with ge- ^ir- Camiiag,
iieral Cuesta*s advanced guard, under general
Echivari.
I received from sir Arthur Wellesley the letter,
of which I have the honour to inclose a copy, ac-
quainting me with his arrival in Portugal, and his
proposed plan of operations ; and, in my answer,
endeavoured to put him, as far as I was ahle, in
possession of the military position of the country,
both as to the strength of its armies, and the
spirit of that part of the government here whicK •
is more immediately charged with the direction of
them.
I am glad to find, by a subsequent letter from
him, that he does not attach the same importance
to the effecting a diversion at present on the side of
La Mancha, as I had thought it might derive ;
and, in the discussion of which measure, I had
occasion more particularly to remark that want of
energy in the military junta of which I com-
plained in my letter to him.
General Cuesta's answer to my letter, which was
inclosed in my No. 51, and in which I took oc-
casion to suggest the advantages which would re-
sult from such an operation, conducted by the
183 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. ^ui^e of Albuquerque, has since reached me, in
CHAP. IV. 1 •• '
*^'^*^'''^^ which he dechnes my proposal, which he could
1809. . .
May. not carry into execution without interfering; with
Mr! Canning, the junta, who had appointed general Vanegas to
the command of this army ; and sir Arthur Wel-
lesley's letters, both to general Cuesta and M. de
Garay, are so strongly in favour of defensive ope-
rations, that there will, of course, be no more
question at present of such a diversion.
General Cuesta is ambitious of uniting as large
a force uuder his command, as he can collect ;
and I observe, that it is likewise recommended by
sir Arthur Wellesley, that he should be reinforced
as milch as possible ; but how far this opinion may
have been influenced by the statement which ge-
neral Cuesta gives him of his force, and which is
very much below the returns government receive
from him, I cannot judge. By accounts received
to-day it appears, that the communication is again
open with Ciudad Rodrigo. We learn through
that channel, that the French have a force, in Sa-
lamanca, of 400 infantry and 600 cavalry, and
nearly the same number in Zamora. They have
withdrawn the posts which WTre stationed at
Barco de Avila, Puente de Congesto, and one or
two other points upon that line, and do not ven-
ture to maintain, upon any point, a force of less
than 400 men.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 189
BOOK IV.
CHAT. IV.
It does not appear that the French have any
other force in Arragon but that stationed at Sara- ^^^^
gossa, which is calculated at 12,000 men. The '^^=*y-
JMr. Frere to
corps which I mentioned, in my letter to sir Arthur Mr. Canning.
Wellesley, to have left that country in the direc-
tion of Tudela, and, probably, destined against
the marquis of La Romana, or to the relief of
Soult, has, by the last reports, been ascertained to
have taken the road of Burgos ; but the estimate
of its strength, which was before reckoned at
15,000 men, is, by the same report, diminished to
12,000.
A very seasonable supply of 5000 stand of arms
has arrived at Valencia and Alicante, from Sicily
and Malta ; and these, together with 2000 sent
from hence to the former city, out of those last
received from England, will enable general Blake
to act with effect, as every musket which is sent
will find a soldier ready to make use of it. Ge-
neral Blake, who has already 16,000 men under
him, has been appointed to the chief command of
the three provinces of Arragon, Valencia, and
Catalonia, general Lazan being to act under his
orders.
Beside the advantages which may be looked for,
from placing so extensive a command under a
person of such tried abilities as general Blake, it is
to be hoped that it will put an end to the distrac-
IpO CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. tions arisina: from the contracted views of those
CHAP. IV.
1809.
who directed the provincial junta, particularly that
^%- of Valencia, which have been so embarrassing to
sir. Frere to , . ,
Mr. Canning, lus predeccssors.
We are told, likewise, to-day, that 4000 mus-
kets have been received at Cadiz from Asturias.
I have been promised that 500 of these shall be
sent to the inhabitants of Melina, who behave
with the greatest courage. They have intercepted
two mails, and cut off a convoy of cattle the
enemy had collected; and these arras would put
them in a situation to undertake an expedition in
search of others, which are concealed in Arragon.
The people of Castile, in the neighbourhood of
Burgos, are likewise in a state of insurrection ;
they, as well as those of Estremadura, style the
war in which they are engaged, a crusade, and
carry on with all the enthusiasm of such a cause.
Upon the whole, I may venture to say, that, at
no period since the commencement of the war,
the spirits of the country have been raised to a
higher pitch, or more sanguine hopes entertained
of their ultimate success.
The junta have determined to establish a school
for cavalry at Ettrera, or Carmona, which is to be
placed under the command of the marquis of Pa-
Jacias. He has made that branch of military
science his peculiar study, and is avowedly the
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. Ipl
best qualified, both by his personal character and i^ook iv.
^ ' J I cH AP. rv.
by his skill in his profession, for promoting the oh- '^-^'-v-**-^
jects of such an institution. ^^''y*
Nothing could more eminently illustrate the in-
fluence of the public mind upon this service, than
thfe various censures from all quarters, on the com-
mander and the army, which had dared to advance
at once without mature deliberation against the
enemy, and beat a marshal, and even duke, of
France !
This, nevertheless, was absolutely the case; for
within a week after sir Arthur Wellesley received
the command of the army, he was in Oporto, and
a part of his army in advance from that city.
Lieutenant-general Payne, on the 8th, with the
cavalry and infantry under major-generals Cotton
and Hill, marched by Averro, where the infantry
was to embark for Ovar, and turn the enemy's
right by the coast. IMarshal Beresford made a
feint or diversion with his division, by Lameigo,
on the upper Douro. The remainder moved to-
wards Aveiro.
Marshal Soult, aware of his inequality to main-
tain Oport# against the united British force which-
was marching againt him, had recourse to stratagy ;
first, to enable him to withdraw his troops with
safety, and next, if favoured by fortune, to endea*
considered.
Iy2 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. vour |-Q draw after him, northward, sir Arthur
cnAH. IV. ' '
"^■^■"v^^*^ Wellesley ; whicli would tlms leave Victor tlie op-
^^■•^y- portunity of marching tlie French force, that after,
tlie ])attle of Medellin, had remained stationary be-
tween Merida and Badajos, b}^ the Tagus, into the
south of Portugal.
up^orskA^^ But the judgment and vigilance of the British
L^t'Su'k*^''' commander, and his active generals-of-division,
precluded his accomplishment of either the one or
the other ; and therefore, notwithstanding the hy-
percriticisms on the declarations contained in
sir Arthur Wellesley's despatch upon the action
which ensued, marshal Soult must be considered as
having suffered signaKlefeat.
Soult having determined to evacuate Oporto,
and pass through Leon to the French force in
Gallicia, on the principle of concentration, took
care to have it generally understood, that, certain
of receiving due succours, and confident in his own
strength, he was determined to defend Oporto to
the last extremity. In the mean time, however,
he manceuvcred his troops about the city, and for
that ostensible purpose sent out a considerable
body in detachments, many of which never re-
turned. Of the body which remained, however,
the British troops left few to follow.
Nothing could be more steady or vigorous than
the advance of the British army, according to every
Slratageia of
UNDER LORD WELLIXGTOJf. 1.93
account. Sir Arthur Wellesley thus describes the ^^^.^JJ-^^'
circumstances of the action to the British govern- '^^'TsS^*^
I\fy lord,
I had tlie lionour to apprise your lordship, Jj AnhuTm'i-
on the 7th, that I intended that the army shoidd S-seofnt'"
inarch on the 9th, from Coimbra, to dispossess the opoltoTMay
enemy or Oporto.
The advanced suard and the cavalrv had Actional
o " Oporto.
marched on the 7th, and the whole had halted on
the 8th, to afford time for marshal Beresford, with
his corps, to arrive upon the upper Douro.
The infantry of the army was formed into three
divisions for this expedition, ' of which, two, the
advanced guard, consisting of the Hanoverian legion,
and brigadier-general R. Stewart's brigade, with a
brigade of six- pounders, and a brigade of three-
pounders, under lieutenant-general Paget, and the
cavalry, under lieutenant-general Payne, and the
brigade of guards, brigadier-general Campbell, and
brigadier-general Son tag's brigades of infantry,
with a brigade of six-pounders, under lieutenant-
general Sherbrooke, moved by the high road from
Coimbra to Oporto; and one composed of major-
general liill's, and brigadier-general Cameron's,
brigades of infantry, and a brigade of six-pounders,
VOL. IV. O
194 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. under the command of maior-s:eneral Hill, by the
CHAP. IV. JO 'J
^"^""^v^'^-^ road from Coimbra to Aveiro.
1809.
^^^y- On the 10th, in the morning before day-light,
Sir Arthur Wel-
lesieytoiord tlic cavalrj and the advanced guard crossed the
Castlereagh. ... • i /r-
Actional Vouga, witli the intention to surprise and cut oft
Oporto.
four regiments of French cavalry, and a battalion of
infantry and artillery, cantoned in Albagana Nova,
and the neighbouring villages, about eight miles
from that river, in the last of which we failed ;
but the superiority of the British cavalry was
evident throughout the day. We took some
prisoners and their cannon from them ; and the
advanced guard took up the position of Oliveira.
On the same day, major-general Hill, who had
embarked at Aveiro, on the evening of the 9tb,
arrived at Over in tlie rear'of the enemy's right,
and the head of lieutenant-general Sherbrooke'sxli-
vision passed the Vouga on the sanje evening.
On the nth, the advanced guard and cavalry
continued to move on the high road towards Oporto,
with major-general Hill's division, in a parallel road
which leads to Oporto from Ovar.
On the arrival of the advance at Vendos Novas,
between Santo Redondo and Grijon, they fell in
with the out-post of the enemy's advanced guard,
which were immediately driven in, and shortlj
afterwards we discovered the enemv's advanced
UNDER LORD WELLIXGTOX. IQ^
guard, consisting: of about 4,000 infantrv, and some i^ook iv.
^ O ' »/ ' CHA P I V.
squadrons of cavalry, stron2:lv posted on the heights ^'-'^v-**-^
above Gijon ; their fronts being covered with ^i^^-
1 m^ r Sir Arthur Wel-
woods and broken grounds. The enemy s left lesieytoiord
Casllereagh.
ilank was turned, bv a movement well executed by Action at
" _ _ Oporto.
major-general Murray, with brigadier-general
Langwerth's brigade of the Hanoverian legion,
whilst the l6th Portuouese reefiment of brisfadier-
general Richard Stewart's brigade attacked their
right, and the rifle-men of the 95th, and the flank
companies of the 29th, 43d, and 52d, of the same
brigade, under major Way, attacked the infantry in
the wood and villages, in their centre. These at-
tacks soon obliged the enemy to give way, and the
honourable brigadier-general Charles Stewart, and
two squadrons of the l6th and SOth dragoons, under
the commandof major Blake, in pursuit of the enemy,
and destroyed many and took many prisoners.
On the night of the 1 1th, the enemy crossed the
Douro, and destroyed the bridge over that river.
It was important, with a view to the operations
of marshal Beresford, that I should cross the Douro
immediately, and I had sent major-general Murray
in the mOrninu: with a battalion of the Hanoverian
kgions, a squadron of cavalry, and two six- poun-
ders, to endeavour to collect boats, and, if possible,
to cross the river at Avintas, about four miles above
Oporto, and I had as many boats as could be col-
19^ CAMPAIGNS IX SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
liooK IV. lected brouo-ht to the feirv, immediately above the
CHAP. IV. t> ;» J
^*-'^~^"''*^ town.s of Oporto and Villa Nova. The rrround on
1809. ' °
J^'ay* the right bank of the river at this ferry is protected
Sir Arthur Wel-
lesiey to lord and Commanded by the fire of cannon placed on.
Castlereaj^h.
Action at the heights of the Siena Convent, at Villa Nova;
Oporio.
and there appeared to be a good position for our
troops on the opposite side of the river, till they
should be collected in sufficient numbers.
The eneni}' took no notice of our collection of
boats, or of the embarkation of the troops, till
after the first battahon, (the bufts,) were landed,
and had taken up their position under the com-
mand of lieutenant-general Paget, on the opposite
side of the river.
They then comuienced an attack upon them with
a large body of cavalry, infantry, and artillery,
under the command of marshal Soult, which that
corps most gallantly sustained till supported suc-
cessively by the 48th and 66th regiments, belonging
to major-general Hill's brigade, and a Portuguese
battalion, ami afterwards by the first battalion of
detachments, belonging to brigadier-general Richard
Stewart's brigade.
Lieutenant-general Paget was unfortunately
wounded soon after the attack commenced, when
the command of those gallant troops devolved upon
major-general Hill.
Although the French miule repeated attacks
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. ^97
BOOK IV.
CHAP. IV.
1809.
apon them, they made no impression; and, at last,
major-general Murray having appeared on the
enemy's left flank, on his march from Avintos, ^^''y-
'' ' Sir Aj-ihurWeU
which he had crossed, and lieutenant-general Sher- lesiey to lord
Castlercagh,
brooke, who by this time had availed himself of Action at
the enemy's weakness in the town of Oporto, and ^^''''
crossed the Douro, at the ferry, between the towns
of Villa Nova and Oporto ; having appeared on
their right, with the brigade of guards and the 29th
regiment: tlie whole retired in the utmost con-
fusion towards Amaranthe, leaving behind them
five pieces of cannon, eight ammunition tumbrils,
and many prisoners.
The enemy's loss in killed and wounded in this
action has been very large ; and they have left be-
hind them in Oporto,* sick and wounded. Briga-
dier-general the honourable Charles Stewart then
directed a charge, by a squadron of the 14th dra-
goons, under the command of major Harvey, who
made a successful attack upon the enemy's rear
guard.
In the different actions with tlie enemy, of which
I have abov^e given your lordship an account, we
have lost some, and the immediate services of other,
valuable officers and soldiers.
In lieutenant-general Paget, among the latter, I
have lost the assistance of a friend who had been
* The numbers not ascertained, but supposed about 7Q0.
198 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. most useful to me, in the few clays which had
CHAP. IV. ' "^
^'■"*'^^*^ elapsed since he had joined the army.
^^"y- He had rendered a most important service at
Sir Arthur Wel- . ^ . , ^ . i • i •
lesiey to lord thc moiiient he received his wound, in taking up
Castlereagh.
Action at the position which the troops afterwards main-
Oporlo.
tained, and in bearing the first brunt of the enemy's
attack.
Major Harvey also distinguished himself at the
moment he received his Mound, in the charge of
the cavalry on this day.
I cannot say too much in favour of the officers
and troops. They have marched in four da}'s over
eighty miles of most difficult country, have gained
many important positions, and have engaged and
defeated three diffisrent bodies of the enemy s troops.
I beg particularly to draw your lordship's atten-
tion, to the conduct of lieutenant-general Paget,
major-general Murray, major-general Hill, lieut.-
general Sherbrooke, brigadier-general the hon.
Charles Stewart, heutenant-colonel De Lancy, de-
puty quarter-mastcr-general, and captain Mellish,
assistant adjutant-general, for the assistance they
respectively rendered general Stewart, in the charge
of the cavalry, this day and on the eleventh ; ma-
jor Colin Campbell, assistant-adjutant-general, for
the assistance he rendered major-general Hill,
in the defence of his post; and brigadier-general
Stewart, in the charge of the cavalry, this day ;
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON'. 19.9
BOOK IV.
CHAP. IV.
and hrigadier-TTiajor Fordyce, captain Curry, and
captain Hill, for the assistance they rendered gene- ^^^^
ral Hill. . ^^^y-
Sir Arthur Wel-
I have also to request vour lordship's attention lesicy to lord
"^ Cabtlereugh.
to the conduct of the rifle-men, and of the flank Aciion at
Oporto.
campanies of the 29th, 43d, and 52d regiments,
under the command of major Way of the 29th, and
that of the 16th Portuguese regiment, commanded ^
by colonel Machado, of which lieutenant-colonel
Doyle is lieutenant- colonel, and that of the brigade
of the Hanoverian legion, under the command of
brigadier-general Langwerth, and that of the two
squadrons of the l6th and 20th light dragoons,
under the command of major Blake, of the 20th,
in the action of the 1 ] th ; and conduct of the
buffs, commanded by lieutenant-colonel Drum-
mond ; the 48th, commanded by major Murray,
who was wounded ; and of the squadron of the
14th dragoons, under the command of major Har-
vey, in the action of this day,
I have received the greatest assistance from the
adjutant-general, and quarter-master-general colo-
nel Murray, and from all the officers belonging to
the departments respectively throughout the ser»
vice ; as well as from lieutenant-colonel Bathurst;^
and the officers of my personal staff; and I have
every reason to be satisfied with the artillery and
qfficers of engineers,
200 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^^J^^^l^' I send this despatch by captain Stanhope, whom
^^•T^JJT*^ ^ ^^o ^^ recommend to your lordship's protection.
^^^y- His brother, the honourable major Stanhope, was
Sir Arthur Wel- "^ . ,.
lesiey to lord uufortunatelv wounded l)y a sabre, whilst leadmg
Casllereagh. ^
Actional ^ chargc of the l6th light dragoons, on the 10th
Oporto.
instant.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) Arthur Welleslet.
\
After the evacuation of Oporto by the French,
ihe commander-in-chief took the laudable pre-
caution to issue the following proclamation :
" Inhabitants of Oporto !
PTocii^nation of « As tlic Frcnch troops have been ex-
sir Arthur Wel- _ ...
lesiey, general- pellcd from this city, by the bravery and disci plme
in-chief of the
Briiisharmyin of thc amiv whicli I comuiand, I require from
Portugal, and *^ ^
marshal-general ^-^q inhabitants that they shall comport themselves?
ot the armies ot j i.
the prince re- y%f\\\^ compassion and humanity towards the said
troops who may be made prisoners. By the laws
of war, they are entitled to my protection, and it
is my duty to afford it. It would be very incon-
sistent with the generosity and magnanimity of
the Portuguese nation to revenge upon unfortunate
individuals the outrages and calamities which it
has suffered ; I direct the inhabitants of the city
to remain tranquil in the town, and that no person
that does not belong to a military corps shall ap-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 201
pear armed in the citv. In case of this order bookiv.
. " CHAP. IV.
being contravened, or of any attack being made v-^^^-v-*!^
1R09.
upon the said individuals, such persons shall be May.
punished as guilty of having disobeyed my orders P^°'^'*™'*t"^°-
— I appoint colonel Trant commandant of this
city, unless the government of his royal highness
shall object to this nomination. I order the com-
mander to use all the means necessary to enforce
obedience to this order, and to produce the effect
of complete tranquillity and peace, for which I am
so anxiously solicitous."
(Signed) "Arthur Wellesley."
" Head-quarters, Oporto, May 13, 1S09."
Nothing could be more judicious than this pro-
clamation in the second city of Portugal, where,
among the first objects which presented themselves,
were the stripped bodies of the dead enemy.
The army was there received, as it had been
every where, with the highest demonstrations of
joy ; and as on the march the officers had been re-
ceived in the houses of the inhabitants, and the
troops into the convents ; so in Oporto, they were
all received by the inhabitants with hospitalit}'.
The ladies graced their entrance by waving their
handkerchiefs from the balconies ; the aged wept
and blessed them. And, indeed, though charges
of this kind are successively made as of course, by
202 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. IV.
1809.
every army which succeeds another, there was
sufficient evidence that the French soldiery under
May. Loison had so particularly degraded themselves, by
enormities against the people of Oporto, as to hand
his name down with the especial infamy of those
transactions.
The French ge- Soult, notwithstandiuG: his evident determination
iieral Soult ^
surprised. ^q cvacuatc Oporto, ccrtaiuly did not count upon
the rapidity of the British operations, and therefore
fairly incurs the censure of being surprised.
Having destroyed the bridge of Amaranthas, by
which marshal Beresford was to pass, and des-
patched Loison there ; he evidently counted upon
a leisure M'hich sir Arthur Wellesley denied him.
Above a thousand sick were found in the hos-
pitals.
The early mention of so many names in this first
operation of the army has not escaped censure ;
but who that studies human nature, (and he that
does not is ignorant of the highest art of a general,)
can conceive a recognizance censurable, or even
unnecessary, of those acts which in the outset of
a campaign are of vital importance, not only for
the ends to be immediately attained, but as in-
spirations to future and greater acquisitions.
The British army continued indefatigable in the
pursuit of the French, of which there was every
prospect of success. By a variety of feints, howr
UNDER LORD WEL LIN GTOJf. 203
ever, and forced marches, their general drew them ^^^f,,^,^^'
towards the mountains. ^^"^isog"**^
May.
When I determined (says sir Arthur Wellesley) ^jTrSwi
upon the expedition to the north of Portugal, 2^i,^ofnV'*
against marshal Soult, I was in hopes that the MonSeJre,
Portug-uese sfeneral Silveira would be able to hold '' ^^'
his post upon the Tamaga till he should be re-
inforced, by which, and by the possession of
Chaves, the enemy's retreat would have been cut
off, excepting across the Minho ; and I intended,
if successful, to press him so hard, as that the
passage of that river would have been impracti-
cable.
The loss of the bridge of Amarantha, however,
on the 2d inst. altered our prospects; I had then
no hopes that marshal Beresford, who marched
to\vards the upper part of the Douro on the 5th,
and arrived at Lamego on the 10th, would be able
to effect more than confine the enemy on that
side, and oblige him to retire by Chaves into Ga-
licia, rather than by Villa Ileal into Castille.
General Beresford, however, having obliged the
enemy's posts at Villa Real, and Maisan Frien, to
fall back with some loss ; and, having crossed the
Douro, drove in general Loisson"s out-posts at the
bridge of Amarantha, and again acquired posses-
sion of the left bank of the Tamaga on the 12 th,
20i CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
cif »p. IV.
1809.
the day which the corps, under my command,
formed the passage of the Douro at Oporto.
^^^y- Loison retired from Amarantha on the morninsr
Sir Arthur Wel- *
lesh-v to lord of tlie 1 3th, as soon as he had heard of the events
vi>L')unt Castle-
je<t;h. at Oporto of the preceding day, and met the ad-
vanced guard of the French army at a short dis-
tance from the town, which general Beresford
immediately occupied. I was unable to commence
the pursuit of the enemy till the morning of the
13th, when the Hanoverian Legion moved to Va-
longa, under major-general Murray.
On that evening I was informed that the enemy
had in the morning destroyed a great proportion
of his cannon in the neighbourhood of Penafril,
and had directed his march towards Braga.
This appeared to be the probable result of the
situation in which he found himself, in conse-
quence of general Beresford's operations upon the
Tamaga ; and, as soon as 1 had ascertained that
the fact was true, I marched on the morning of
the 14th, with the army in two columns, towards
tlie river Minho.
At the same time I directed general Beresford
upon Chaves, in case the enemy should turn to
his right ; and major-general Murray to communi-
cate with general Beresford, if he should find, as
reported, that Loison remained in the neighbour-
hood of Amarantha.
UNDER LORD WELLIXGTON. l^Oa
On the evenins: of the 14th I was certain, from ^^^^ ^'^•
O 'CHAP. 1 V.
tlie movements of the enemy's detachments in the '^-""^v"*^
1 809.
neighbourhood of Braga, that he intended to direct ^^''^•
Sir Arthur Wel-
his retjeat upon Cliaves, or Monte Alegre, and lesieytoiord
viscount Castle-
directed general Beresford, in case of the latter reagh.
movement, to push on for Montery, so as to stop
the enemy, if he should pass by Villa de Ric.
General Beresford had anticipated my orders to
march his own corj)s upon Chaves, and had al-
ready sent general Silveira to occupy the passes of
Tuivaes and iMellgassy, near Salomonde, but he
was unfortunately too late.
I arrived at Brapa on the 15th, sreneral Murrav
being at Guimaraens, and the enemy about fifteen
miles in our front ; and at Salomonde, on the l6th,
we had an affair with the rear guard.
The guards, under lieut. -general Sherbrooke and
brigadier-general Campbell, attacked their posi-
tion ; and, having turned their left flank by the
heights, they abandoned it, leaving a gun and
some prisoners behind them.
This attack was necessarily made at a late hour
in the evening.
On the 17th we moved to Ruiveas, waiting to
see whether the enemy would turn upon Chaves,
or continue his retreat upon Monte Alegre, and oa
the 18 th to this place.
BOOK IV.
CHAP. IV.
1809.
May.
Disasters of the
retreat of the
Treuch.
206 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
I here found that he had taken a road through
the mountains, towards Orense, by which it would
be difficult, if not impossible, for me to overtake
him, and on which I had no means of stopping
him.
The enemy commenced his retreat, as I have
above informed your lordship, by destroying a
great proportion of his guns and ammunition. He
afterwards destroyed the remainder of both, and a
great proportion of his baggage, and kept nothing,
excepting what the soldiers and a few mules could
carry.
Injurious effects jjg j-j^g ]gf^ bchittd him his sick and wounded;
to au anuy ot a
crueUarfare. ^^^^^ ^|jg j.^^j f^^^^ Pcnafiel to Montc Alcgrc, is
strewed with the carcasses of horses and mules, and
French soldiers, who were put to death by the
peasantry before our advanced guard could save
them.
This last circumstance is one of the natural effects
of the species of zcarfare which the enemy have
carried on in this country.
Their soldiers have plundered and murdered the
peasantry at their pleasure ; and I have seen many
persons hanging in the trees by tlie sides of the
road, executed for no reason that I could learn,
excepting that they have not been friendly to the
French invasion and usurpation of the government
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 207
of their country ; and the route of their column, ^^^^^^^^^'
on their retreat, could be traced by the smoke of "^"^7^?^*^
- •' 1809.
the villages to which thev set fire. . ^^''^■
Injurious efFecU
We have taken about 500 prisoners. Upon the to an annj ot a
cruel warlare.
whole, the enemy has not lost less than a fourth
of his army, and all his artillery and equipments,
since we attacked him upon the Vouga.
I hope your lordship will believe me, that no
measure which I could take was omitted to inter-
rupt the enemy's retreat. It is obvious, however,
that if an army throws away all its cannon, equip-
ments, and baggage, and every thing which can
strengthen it, and can enable it to act together as
a body, and abandon all those who are entitled to
its protection, but add to its weight, and impede
its progress, it nmst be able to march by roads,
through which it cannot be followed, with any
prospect of being overtaken by an army which has
not made the same sacrifices.
It is impossible to say too much of the exertions
of the troops. The weather has been very bad,
indeed, since the 13th; the rain has been constant,
and the roads, in this difficult country, almost im-
practicable. But they have persevered in the pur-
suit to the last, and have generally been upon the
mnrch from day-light in the morning till dark.
Notwithstanding the desolation produced in the
French army by this pursuit, the loss of the British
cruel warfare.
-08 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^c^?p^il^" ^'^^> according to the best estimates, more trifling
^-*'7^;;^7"*^ ^^^''^^'^ could be admitted as probable, were it not
^^■■^y- that while the troops pursued with the utmost ra-
Injurious effects
to an army of a piclity, thcy did Dot abuwdon any or the equip-
ments or stores of their force as was constantly the
case with the French.
The losses are thus estimated : —
On the 12//?, at Albtrgai^ia Nova.
IVouiidtd — 1 officer, 2 rank and file.
Missing — 1 rank and file.
1 1 th, at Grijon.
Killed — 1 officer, 18 rank and file.
Wounded — 6 officers, 50 rank and file.
Missing — 14 rank and file.
IQtk.— Killed— Q.3 rank and file.
JVoujided — \0 officers, 86 rank and file.
Missine; — 2 rank and file.
From the enemy were taken :-■
In Ike Field.
5 pieces of cannon.
UNDER LORD V.-ELLIXGTOX. 209
Left in the Ai^senal at Oporto.
69 pieces of cannon.
37 Tumbrils.
Agreat quantity of ammunition.
BOOK IV.
CHAP. IV.
1H09.
In the prosecution of the operations thus suc-
cessfully conducted, sir Arthur Wellesley states
his intelligence and consequent plans : —
After I had determined to discontinue the fur- Lient-generai •
sir Arthur W ei-
ther pursuit of marslial Soult's army, and to return '^-^'fy- i<b- to
1 ^ ' lord viscount
with the British troops to the southward, I heard ^';^^j"*;jfjj;
that marshal Victor had broken up on the Gua- ^^''^' ^^°^-
diana, and had made an attack, and had carried
Alcantara on the 14th.
A small o^arrison, consistino; of the second bat- Defence of the
CI ' o Irontier by the
talion of the Lusitanian Leo-ion, under colonel '-"s'f^"'^" Le-
Mayne, and the Idanha Nova battalion of Portu-
guese jNIilitia, had occupied that place since the
army marched to the northward, which it was
forced to evacuate with some loss, in consequence
of this attack.
An attempt was made to blow up the bridge
over the Tagus, which failed, and the enemy's ca-
valry crossed immediately.
VOL, IV. p
210 CAMPAIGNS IN ^1»AIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. rv.
1809.
My former despatches will have apprised your
lordship of the measures which I had adopted, with
^^^y- a view to the defence of that part of Portugal, in
Sir Arthur Wei- .
lesiey to lord casc it should hc invaded during the absence or the
viscouut Castle-
reagh. army to the northward ; and I have now the ho-
nour to inform your lordship, that the army is in
march to the southward, and the head of it will
cross the Mondego before the end of this week.
The energies which had been displayed in the
conduct of sir Arthur Wellesley, immediately upon
his assuming the command of the army, were suf-
ficient to produce an immediate extension of his
instructions in respect to an advance into Spaia.
It is contained in the following letter.
Sir,
Lord viscount UpoH referring: to mv instruction to you
Castlereagh to I O J J
lieut-generai of thc 3d of April, aud of thc coursc that opera-
sir Arthur Wei- i ' ^
lesiey, K.B. tions mav take, should Victor retire upon your
iJowniug-street, yi f i v
25thiMay,i809. niovitt": towards the Tasus, I have received his
majesty's commands, in order that you may be
enabled the better to co-operate with the Spanish
armies against the common enemy, to authorise
you to extend your operations in Spain, beyond
the provinces immediately adjacent to the Portu-
guese frontiers, provided you shall be of opinion
that your doing- so is material to the success of
UNDER LORD WELLINGTO^^ 211
your operations, and oot inconsistent with the bookiv.
'' -l ' CHAP. IV.
safety of Portuij^al. , ^-.^-v-'*^
•^ ^ 1809.
I have, &c. ^^i-\>"-
(Signed) Castlereagh.
And the general approbation of his majesty's
government, of the operations which have been
described, was thus attentively expressed.
Sir,
I have received and laid before the kino- ^°^^ viscount
'-' Castlereagh to
your despatch of the 12th inst. stating your sue- 'j^^li'^'fiy^f
cessful commencement of the campaign in Por- '^^ley.K.B.
tugal.
His majesty commands me to express his intire
satisfaction in the decision and celerity of your
operations ; the excellence of your disposition,
and the vigour of your attacks ; by which you
have been enabled to defeat the enemy in three
actions, to pass the Douro in his presence, to re-
cover Oporto, and to force the army under marshal
Soult to retire with much loss, and abandon a
great part of their ammunition and artillery.
You will make it known to the officers and
troops under your command, that the conspicuous
valour and intrepidity they have displayed is highly
satisfactory to his majesty.
The conduct of the first battalion of the Buffs,
2112
BOOK IV.
CHAP. IV,
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
commanded by licut.-genfial Paget, and after-
wards, when he w^as obliged to leave the field, by-
major-general Hill, reflects the highest credit on
1809.
May.
Lord visccunt
CasUereaghto that coros and the ofliicers who led them.
lieut-geiieral '
sir A. Welles- Whilst hls niajestv is sensible of the loss his ser-
lej, K. B. ^ .
vice must sustain by the absence from duty which
tlie wound received by lieut.-general Paget must
necessarily occasion, he feels great satisfactioti to
learn that there is a fair prospect of his speedy re-
coverv.
I have, &c.
;^Signe<:l) Castlereagh.
If the activity, energy, and politico-military
judgment, exercised in the arrangements described
in the preceding chapter, demanded praise, how
worthily have the Ibperations by which they were
put into effect succeeded them ' How consolatory
and how animating !
It combines the vigour of command exercised
at the outset of the campaign, which formed the
subject of the second book, with the determined
courage of the army, unhappily exercised in the
affair which forms the close of the third ; and
opens a new prospect to the exertions of both,
under circumstances and with results, at least quite
compatible with the character of the British army
and the dignity of the nation.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 21:
Tlie desirable acquisition of the duke of Albu-
querque, with the Spanisli force under his cqpi-
niand, was thus promoted by iVIr. Frere,
BOOK ly.
CHAP. IV.
10119.
J UUf.
Sir,
I inclose a copy of a letter, which I send S. h"?;';.
by this conveyance, to sir Arthur Wellesley. I canni'ng"^'"'^
trust that my having made the insinuation, there june.*^i309.
alluded to, will i>Dt be disapproved of, as the re-
sult must, at least, be free from any inconvenience.
I have the honour to be.
With great truth and respect.
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
J. H. Frere.
In addition to the despatches which I send open ^i^AnhurWei'
for your information, I forward an exact statement g^l^l'^ pth
of general Cuesta's force, as he transmitted it to ^"''''' ^^°'^:
this government on the 30th of last month ; since
which time he has been reinforced by 2,300 in-
fantry, having reason to believe that he somewhat
understated it in a communication which he made
to you before.
I have prepared the junta to expect that you
would demand to be joined by a corps of Spanish
cavalry, as a necessary addition to the British, for
many services on which only natives can be cm-
214 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. ployed ; and that you might possibly pitch upon the
*^-'*'v-"*^ division of the duke of Albuquerque, which is now
1809. _ ~l p. '
June. iji ii^Q Ye3.T, and which may easily be spared from
Mr. Frere to sir i • i •
Arthur Welles- such a force, as appears upon a statement which is
inclosed.
Orders have been sent to Badajos, to procure
the greatest number of mules and other beasts,
for the service of the troops under your command.
Such is the progress of the operations connected
with the affair of Oporto, in reference to the fu-
ture views of the British general
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON, 215
CHAP. V.
OPERATIONS ON THE EASTERN" FRONTIER OF
PORTUGAL. PASSAGE OF THE FRENCH IM-
PEDED TILL THE ARRIVAL OF THE BRITISH
AR3IY.
Movements of the French, under Marshal Vict or j
(Duke of Belluno) . — E.vposition of the admi-
rable Principles of the hr axe and loyal Lusitanian
l/Cgion. — Edxellent partizan Operations of that
Force. — Affair of Sir Robert JFilson, at Barba
del PuercQ. — Views of the Petite GueiTc, con-
ducted bif Lieutenant-Colonel Grant. — Colonel
Maynes Defence of Trajan's Bridge, at Alcan-
tara.— Desertions from the Enemy, and means
by which produced. — Remarks on the Re-orga-
nization of the Portuguese Forces.
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
3809.
June.
SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY's allusion, in his Moven>ent,of
' the Irench
letter from Braga to lord Castlereagh, to the capture y'lcto™''"^'*''
2l5
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK It.
CHAP V.
1st battalion
L"i>itaiiian Le-
gion.
of Alcantara by marshal Victor, naturally rccals
attention to the operations which had taken place
in that quarter, under sir Robert Wilson, now so
justly celebrated, on the one hand, and the brave
and intelligent colonel IMayne on the other.
The loyal Lusitanian Legion, after the circum-
stances which have been detailed of it in the first
chapter of the present book, as it has been seen,
was included in the orders of marshal Beresford,
and, of course, almost immediately lost its character
as <i party, in the force under the general command
of sir Arthur Wellesley.
There is, however, something in the conduct of
this force, both as relates to the known activity and
vigilance of sir Robert AVilson, and to the less pro-
minent, but admirable, energies of colonel Mayne,
and the vigorous and intelligent lieutenant-colonel
Grant;' Avhich seems to call for a further notice of
their operations, before the original character of
the corps is dissolved in its subsequent change : —
And, indeed, this notice deems further to be neces-
sary to supply an hiatus in any account assuming
the form of History of the Campaigns.
To do this, it will be necessary, very briefly, to
recur to the earlier part of the period which has
been already treated.
The extensive line of country occupied by the
1st battalion Lusitanian Legion, and the Spanish
UXDER LORD WELLINGTON'. 2.17
troops and Portuguese cavalry by which it waS booiC iv.
reinforced, formino- the advance of the corps of *«— -'-v-'"*-^
' '^ ^ 1809.
observation, left by sir Arthur Welleslcy under J"^*^-
general Mackenzie, at Abrants, extending from raUong.
Almeida on the left, to the inaccessible Sierra de
Franca, on the right, with a garrison of six thou*
sand Spaniards at Ciudad Rodrigo, in their rear,
made such a demonstration towards the enemy as
could not but leave him in doubt, — a doubt, diffi-
cult to solve, — whether a force, by many multipli-
cations more powerful, might not defend the whole
eastern frontier of Portiio-al.
In fact, not only every mean was strictly prac-
tised to preclude the enemy from ascertaining the »
real strength, or rather weakness, of the force em-
ployed ; but even the allies had reason to conceive
it very much greater than it ever was. For the
advanced posts of tlie French were even attacked,
and picquets surprised and captured, and every
thing wore the a])pearance of o-ffensive activity, so
that the supreme junta of Spain placed under the
chief command of sir Robert Wilson the whole
of the Spanish troops in Leon.
The exultation of the French, on the embarkation
of sir John Moore's army, was thus damped, by
the unexpected prospect of another regular army
in readiness to oppose it ; and, as has been already
CIS
Exposition of
the coiidi.cl of
rhe Portuguese
Legiasi.
CAMPAIGNS rx SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
described, nothing could have a better effect on the
general cause.
The noble feelings and just views with which
this little army was inspired cannot be so well de-
scribed as by a sort of exposition of its leaders,
made by one of themselves at the time, but which
cannot fail to be useful and agreeable at any pe-
riod of the war, which is indebted to it for admirable
illustration. It is conveyed in a private letter from
Cuidad Rodrigo, written on the 25 th of January,
by which period the Lusitanian Legion, by its suc-
cess in impeding and annoying the marauders of the
enemy, which scattered themselves on the fron-
tier, had attracted to it colonel, afterwards general,
D' Urban, and other enterprising and intelligent
British officers, among whom were lieutenant-col.
Mllson, major L'Estrange, aiid captain Charles of
the royal artillery.
" Though, (says the writer to a Portuguese friend)
at 200 miles distance from all British suppdrt, un-
aided even by your own supine government, and
reduced to consult our peisonal safety, as all appears
abandoned to France ; we not only maintain our
ground, but press on the enemy, even at the gates
of Salamanca. Why do we act so rashly, perhaps
you will say? Because we flatter ourselves that
¥NDER LORD WELLINGTON. 219
our perseverance may miti2:ate the disasters of the book iv.
' •' '--' CHAP. V.
times, — because we know, tliat, by constancy, tlic '^^^^^^"^^
great and interesting cause to which Great Britain June.
Frontier ope-
13 pledged must finally prosper ; — because we rations.
^ . Admirable spirit
know that the enemy has not the means or achiev- of this iittie
• 1 . . . ^ corps — anex-
ing tlie conquest of a nation whose spirit inflames ample to Hrmies,
as the danger approaches ; — and because we think
it our duty to continue at our posts, while any
utility can arise from it. From every quarter our
news is excellent : the Arragoncse contend with
success. The out-posts of the duke de I'lnfantado
are at Aranjuez. Great armies are forming in Va-
lencia and Andalusia. The enemy is obliged to
detach himself from the most interesting points ;
and although he possess Salamanca, he is rather
prepared to fly than to advance. Such is the true
picture. It is, indeed, true, that the experienced
battalions of France may beat the Spanish troops
in the field ; but who supposed that a peaceable
people could in an instant assume a martial cha-
racter,— that the levies of a moment should rival
the Spanish infantry under Charles V. which the
service of numerous campaigns alone had formed?
*' It has been a great evil to the world that the
sentiment of fortitude has not been cherished, as
more essential to officers than animal courajie.
'* Have we not been sufficiently taught by that
precipitation which has occasioned such catas-
£20 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAI2f ANI> PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. trophes to Austria and Russia? Are we alwavs tto
en AT. V. I " '
'^^•""'^r-^'''^ a]}o\v Buonaparte to boast, tliat wherever his
Juue. eagles appear, his enemies regard tliem as basilisks,
rdibns. and become incapable of resistance !
" You have to blush for the lethargy of your
country ; but we shall have further cause to mourn,
if Great Britain abandon the peninsula, because,
forsooth, she could not in a moment reach the
Pyrenees. Wliether Gallicia was the best point to
stavt from, admits of discussion ; and the battle Qf
tlie world must be fought on Spanish ground,
unless the nations who are still free riiean to yoke
themselves voluntarily in the train of the enslaved
people. This is a favourable part of Spain to act
ii3, because its defence covers the defence of Por-
tugal : when we first came, Ciudad Rodrigo had
some magazines ; but the city was without troops,
and in despondence. Now there is a formidable
garrison, — every means of defence, a valiant spirit
within the walls, and a resolute peasantry to pro-
tect the passes to them.
'^ The little affair which we had at Calpadella,
Avithin six miles of Salamanca, where we took at
mid-day a post n\'c11 defended in a house, (but un-
fortunately with the loss of captain Picaluga, a
most accomplished gentleman and a brave officer),
has ingratiated us with tliem highly, because they
fmd that their own allies will cheerfully act with
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 2'2l
tbem, and mingle in their combats with common ^ooKiv.
' O CHAT. V.
1809.
" We liave now marched forward 250 infantry, ''"^^•
Frontier opt-
2 guns, and zvith great difficulty we have obtained ratione.
from Almeida 70 dragoons ; so that with 30 Spanisli
cavaliers, we have 100 horse; and with this little
force, aided by the peasantry, we hope to preserve
the country between the Tonnes and the Agiieda^
until the grand operations commence by the re^
appearance of the British arnay in the field. The
rest of the legion remains in their cantonments
within the Agueddy where they were posted when
we returned from Monte El Rigo ; and there we
expect the 2d division, which was so long detained
for its clothing, and which perhaps is now pre-
vented from advancing by the selfish and miserable
policy of the regenc\\
" There is, however, some pride for us in tlie
reflection, that our corps was formed in less than
ten weeks, — a corps which was the only one that
marched to the assistance of the allies, and which
has appeared with some honour to its country ; I
should rather say, honour to itself, and shame to
Portugal ; for we had no especial assistance, and
even the common means which the government
had at its command were neglected. It is the
knowledge of the good sentiments which have
been so neglected, which renders me indignant
222
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
1809.
June.
Frontier ope-
rations.
with the regency, and only entitles them to the
protection of Buonaparte.
" Never did people behave better than the sol-
diers of the legion, and they are all in admirable
Older.
" With our second division, we are about 2,000
strong. We brought seven guns, notwithstanding
the pretended impracticability. What are we to do
with the corps, if France is to triumph, 72emine
cotitradicente ? Shall we save this valuable wreck
for the prince, and conduct it to Gibraltar? or
shall we disperse them, in order that they may be
collected by the French banditti, that they may
sarrison Italian towns? Our commander is with-
out instructions, or security for the payment of the
troops, although he has written for money long
since. Sir John Cradock has done all in his power
for us ; he wished to establish the concerns of the
legion on a most satisfactory footing; but sir
John Moore's retreat has discomfited every project,
and may prove fatal to every thing; but we act
under a a carte blanche granted to our general, who
acts according to his judgment, and that judgment
will never bring us to trial for deserting our posts.
It is not that or money that Europe wants, but
perseverance. Outposts are at Bociles, where we
expect to be to-morrow; and, the next day, if we
can, within the enemy's lines."
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 223
To make any application of the principles of eookiv.
this interestins: paper, would be but to weaken its ^"-^^ ""^^
^ ^ *^ 1809.
effects, without any positive result; unless to con- J""^-
firm opinions which in another book have been, rations. °^^
perhaps, unsatisfactorily declared.
Some comments, however, may be admitted.
They are the best, the simple, memoranda of a few
early effbrts of the Lusitanian Legion.
A small French force, forming an out-post at the FreUc'rcut-^
village of Labobada, sir Robert Wilson with his p°"'
British officers and some dragoons of the legion,
galloped into it, surprized, and after a short resist-
ance made the whole prisoners. Captain Picaluci,
Lusitanian light-horse, acting aid-de-camp to col.
Mayne, leading his men forward in the most gal-
lant manner, received a ball through his heart.
The arms of the prisoners were delivered to Spanish
peasants, and themselves sent into the woods.
Irritated at the loss, the French sent a con-
siderable body to redeem it, but without any other
success than compelling the little party to retire,
and taking lieutenant I'Estrange, 71st regiment,
prisoner; who had mounted one of the captured
horses, as superior to his own. General D' Urban
and lieutant-col. Grant, eminently distinguislied
themselves in this affair.
Intelligence being obtained that tlie French had Anticipation of
, -111 . . . ^ , ^ French reqiii-
made a very considerable requisition of money and sit.on, by thc»<j
^'24 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^?J^?" J^' Worses, from the town of Sedesma, on the Toures,
under penalty of its destruction, with its magis-
C'HAP. V.
1809.
arm
•'""^- trates ; tlie same ofiicers with a squadron of cavahy
able partizans ; ^ , • i i i i
including stras- mouuted ou mules and horses, witli an imndred
glers from sir
johr^^Moore's infautrv, (both inchiding by the way, several strag-
glers of sir John Moore's army), proceeded to that
town for tlie purpose of intercepting the enemy
with his booty.
The junta were found waiting in state, with the
requisitions in readiness, the rapacious plunderers
^ not having yet returned for it, so that it was
deemed best to transfer it into the safer hands of
the junta of Ciudad Rodrigo, leaving instead sir
Robert Wilson's receipt for the enraged enemy,
who arrived within an hour afterwards^ but was
thus precluded from exercising any severities
against the inhabitants,
A French garrison was in consequence imme-
diately sent to occupy it; the out- posts of which,
lieutenant-col. Grant almost immediately after sur-
prized, and destroyed or dispersed, with a de-
tachment of the legion, as they were sitting round
their fires in the woods.
Those and similar affairs cleared the neighbour-
hood from the French marauders, who were intimi-
midatcd by their active intrepidity, which excited
also the spirit and vigilance of the Spanish peasants
and Guerillas, and prevented the corps under
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 225
general La Pisse from enterino; Portusjal by Al- bookiv.
"^ O O J CHAP. V.
meida, in aid of marshal Soult against lord Wel-
1809.
lino-ton. June.
'a
I
When the occnpation of Puerto de Bainos became i
necessary to prevent the communication between j
that general and marshal Victor, opposed to general
Cuesta, on the Tagus, at Almarez, colonel Mayne
with two battalions of the legion were employed on
that service with similar effect. The colonel
strengthened this pass by artillery, on the com-
manding points, and mining the roads through it.
He also assisted in fortifying the town of Bejar;
receiving in compliment from its inhabitants the
celebrated ducal sword preserved there.
And, thousfh last, not least, on this subiect. Contents of a
' » ' ' J > French mail.
among other passing captures was that of a large
convoy with important despatches and Paris mails
for Madrid.
Of these, the first naturally were appropriated to
the consideration and disposal of sir Robert Wil-
son ; there were, also, of no less consequence, the
seals of the soi-disant King Joseph's government ;
and there were also presents for the French officers,
with a handsome watch for the intendant-general
Danei, at Madrid, which, from the captor, colonel
Mayne, having twelve years before become, by the
VOL. IV. Q
226 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV,
CIl A P. V.
accidents of war, both liis prisoner and captor at
'^^'^**^ sea, lie will yet probably receive.
June. There were, also, innumerable love-letters, of the
tenderest nature, from the Parisian fair, which
must ever remain sacred ; to say nothing of the
effects of such billets doux on the vivid imaginations
of generous partizans, wandering amid the lonely
and romantic scenes of the lofty Sierra d'Estrella.
But among the tokens of imperial favOur and
affection, there was one which was neither exempt,
reserved, nor sacred, tliough, as an object of do-
mestic endearment, it might certainly claim a various
tribute of regard, — it was French butter for the
table of King Joseph, and was, by the laws of want
and war, it is feared, entirclv estrans-ed from his
pseudo majesty.
A subsequently-captured despatch of La Pisse
to Victor, also, described his having marched a
column of 0,000 men towards him, and its return
in consequence of the occupation of Puesto de
Bainos.
His feelings on this subject were soon after de-
monstrated, by an attack on the post of major
TEstrange, at the bridge of Esla, in which that
officer was made prisoner, and his force compelled
to retire. And also in a severe attack upon the
post of colonel J. Wilson, by general liamerstein's
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON". 227
regiment of chasseurs a Cheval, whicli was, how- -^^jj^^,,^^'-
ever, compelled to retire.
1809.
An attack on Ciudad Rodris-o succeeded by the J""^-
'^ *' . sir Robert Wil-
force of 7000 men from Salamanca threatenmg .son to marshal
assault, which lieut-colonel Grant, with a detach-
ment of the Legion and four guns, posted in front,
received by a salute of artillery, and a reply of the
governor, that accession was inconsistent with his
duty. Upon which general La Pisse found it well
to remonstrate gently on the impropriety of the
Spanish general and Garus suffering themselves to
be misled by British officers to resistance against
his soldiers, plunder the king of Spain, &c.
To the repulsion of this tricking siege is to be
added another brilliant affair with a French co'
iumn at San Felices, on the Agueda, at the same
time, in which lieut.-colonel Grant, as usual, emi-
nently distinguished himself.
Of the latter action, a weak account of the
French papers having described sir Robert as
beaten by an inferior force, his luminous account
of the affair is added.
It is only necessary previously to observe, that
sir Robert had gone to Coria, to take the com-
mand of a corps sent by general Beresford, to be
united with another detached by general Cuesta,
to acton tlie rear and right flank of marshal Victor.
On his way he received information that Cuesta
q2
Beresford.
22S CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^?u^^ ^^' "^^^^ retreatin2^, and that the combination could not
CHAP. V.
1809.
June.
take place.
Sir Robert Wil-
son to marshal OH*,
Bercslbrd.
I liave the honour to inform your excel-
lency, that I marched, on the morning of the 1st
of April, with the detachment of troops, consist-
ing of about 200 men of the regiment of Avila,
130 of the legion under my command, 60 Spanish
and 30 Portuguese dragoons, with one howitzer and
one field-piece, with the intention of surprising
or carrying the posts of tiie enemy at Barba del
Puerco.
When within a quarter of a mile of the village,
I detached lieut.-colonel Wilson, with 80 Spaniards
and some horse, to alarm the enemy in his rear, in
case of resistance ; the main body was close upon
the village before the enemy's sentries perceived its
appi-oach ; when lieut.-col. Grant, and lieut.-col.
Don Carlos D'Espagne, aid-de-camp to his excel-
lency the captain-general, gallopped forward with
the cavalry, and killed or secured such part of the
enemy as could not reach in time the rocks in the
descent of the mountains.
The commanding officer and 16 men were
J)ressed so hard by the detachment under the com-
jnand of heut.-colonel Wilson, that they were
unable to reach the bridge, and were obliged to
Bercsford.
UNDER LORD M'ELLIXGTON. £29
tlirow themselves into a cave at the base of the >^^0Kiv.
CHAP. V.
mountain, which was extieniely difficult of ac- '^-^^/'*^*^
' • 1809.
cess. June.
rr^i c • I /- 1 1 • Sir Robert Wil-
The Spaniards and a part of the legion went son to marihui
down the sides of the mountain, and I posted the
remainder of the legion, with the howitzers, on
the height commanding Barba del Piierco, and the
road of San Felices; and I brought the gun through
the village to the ridge of the path leading to the
bridge, from which situations the artillery played,
with very great eifectj on the guards ascending
the San Felices road, and the reinforcements which
subsequently descended.
The enemy sent immediately forward from San
Felices, where he had 3000 men, detachments of
light troops, who took post on the side of the
mountain opposed to us, and where they kept up
nvexy brisk fire; which was as briskly answered,
from eight o'clock in the morning until two in the
afternoon, but with considerable loss on their part,
from our activity, and the excellence of some of
our marksmen, particularly some officers and chas-
seurs, peasants.
Finding that the enemy persevered in throwing
more troops forward, and not having the means or
intention to occupy the post of Barba del Puerco,
especially as I was aware that he could and did, by
single persons, pass and assemble a large force on
230 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAtj
^''cJl^v^' this side of the bridge, who could divide and turn
^^'^^jj^'*^ our position to right and left ; I withdrew my
June. gyj^g ^'j-Qj^ Barba del Puerco to its hei«ht ; when
SirllobertWil- .
son to marshal the Spaniards re-ascended the hill, and formed on
Bercsford.
a height, about 400 yards from the village.
The troops of the legion maintained the ground
obstinately against the tirailleurs of the enemy, who
appeared on every side.
I gradually withdrew my guns and the Spanish
infantry in separate divisions ; then the cavalry, as
the ground did not admit of its acting ; and when
the main body had thus descended the hill, and
passed an intervening open space, extremely un-
favourable to cross, under an enemy's fire from the
height, I withdrew the troops of the legion ; and,
by keeping up a fire from behind the rock that fa-
voured my skirmishers, I passed also the rear-guard,
without any loss or the smallest disorder, to the
rocky height beyond the plain, where, again
making a stand in some strength, the enemy
halted and retired up the hill.
The troops had directions to halt at Viella de
Cervo, where I remained during the night, con-
stantly patroling to Barba del Puerco ; and where I
found that the enemy early at night had, from fear
of an attack, withdrawn his forces, leaving only
a small guard.
It is a painful circumstance to be under the ne-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
231
oessity of citing, even against the enemy, a most
flagitious breach of faith and military honour; but
it is not only to recoril a reproach, it is to save
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
1809.
June.
Sir Robert Wil"
"■allant officers, in the exercise of o'enerous huma- son to maLsimi
to
Beresfurd.
iiity, from perishing by similar treachery, that I
am obliged to relate, that when informed of the
officer and his party being in the cave, at whojn
the Spaniards were endeavouring to pour lire from
every direction, I desired lieutenant Wilson to offer
them their lives, on condition of surrendering;
and lieut. -colonel Don Carlos D'Espagne accom-
panied him, to prevent the Spanish infantry from
firing.
Findino; that the communication could not be i;ow treachery
o ot the eneiu^ .
matle on this side of the bridge, these officers,
joined by lieut.-colpnel Grant and lieut. Charles,
of the Royal British Artillery, passed the l^ridge,
advanced with a white handkerchief, and proposed
the terms I desired. The officers came forward,
and said it was what they wished, and beggecl ,
lieut.-colonel AVilson to approach nearer. At the
instant a volley was fned at liim and the rest of
the officers ; and t^e fire was continued until they
passed the bridge again. Unfortunately it hap-
pened at the moment that the enemy's detach-
ments were descending the hill, so that the comr
plete example could not be made which auch
pqnduct imperiously demanded ; but most of the
232
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^cH^i^ v.^' assassins perished, and I am assured that only the
^■^'J^^^^'*^ officer and four men came out of the cave alive.
"^''"''- It is a more as^reeable duty for me to add, that
Sir Robert WiU , . . ° "^
son to marshal in this expcditiou I have had much to praise. All
Uereslord. '
the officers attached to me did whatever bravery
and judgment could achieve ; and your excellency
well knows, that both must have been required
under our ciicumstances, in the conduct of new
levies, naturally brave, but inexperienced.
This affair has cost the enemy dear, and it is
another lesson that no occasion is omitted to attack
him, and that he cannot, with impunity, presume
in a country where his name is in abhorrence, and
where his crimes daily augment the virulence of
hatred and the fury of vengeance. Hitherto it is
true that the character of the war, which I have
been able to direct against him, has not been on
the great scale of military operations ; but it is
one which has kept him in continual alarm, dimi-
nished his ranks, and, I trust, discomfited many
of his objects.
It Would be improper, at tliis momient, to no-
tice publicly the patriotic zeal and valour of several
peasants, who accompanied and served in yester-
day's affair ; but I have the honour to transmit foi:
his majesty and the central junta, their names, and,
among so many brave and worthy men, there is
yet one to be particularly distinguished for his
UNDER LORD WELLINOTON. 235
rhost gallant conduct— I have the honour to be, ^^.^J^J,^'
your excellency's most obedient and humble ser- ""^^soP^
vant, •^"""•
' Sir Robert Wil-
RODERT Wilson, sontomarsbal
Bereafoid.
Brigadier-general.
Veilla de Cervo, April 2, 1809.
The co-operation and communication of the R«treatofSouit
i to jom Victor.
French general being cut off, and the peasantry of
the surrounding country excited against him, he
found himself impelled to make a sudden movement
towards the south, for a junction with Victor's corps
on the left bank of the Tagus, by crossing it at
the bridge of Alcantara.
Colonel Mayne's division was thus brought into
an embarrassing situation in his front. The re-
sources of this excellent officer, however, did not
fail him ; he moved on Cacillas de Flores, and
tried to gain tlie pass of Peralis, which headed the
enemy's column, with the hope of arresting its
progress, till a junction of every Spanish and Por-
tuguese force could be effected ; and, finding this
in vain, endeavoured to cut off their detachment
at Paio, and, though unsuccessful, made some
prisoners. It, however, formed a junction at this
place with colonels Wilson and Grant, to whom at
night arrived sir Robert Wilson, who had made a
considerable number of prisoners.
234 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
UOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
laoQ.
Tin's whole force, with irregular additions, pur-
sued the enemy, for two days, with every species
June. of harassment, the enemy conceiving himself pur-
iBteresting ^ rr •
con.munications sucu by a large and emcient army.
of the Partizans .
oi sirR. wii- There is a degree ot interest in the operations of
sun's corps.
this period, which, as they will not individually
appear after the present chapter, will warrant the
introduction of the few following letters, which
more eminently tend to shew the military qualities
required in them than volumes of description.
Those of colonel Grant evince all the talents of
an accomplished partizan, and all the prompt energy
of a great general.
The mingled circumstances of the pecuVmr pet i I e-
guerre, which they describe, the passions excited,
the disappointments Mdiich accrued on the most
favourable expectations; the different lights in
which the unhappy soldiery and peasantry, who
formed the half-equipped troops employed, ap-
peared on different occasions, all yield an insight
to the war, which nothing else can give, and
agreeably increase the stock of information on the
subject.
Pucrtes ile Banos, 2^th February, 1809.
O^ie o'clock in the Morning.
Sir,
Major Human I liavc tlic lioHOur to inform you, that I
to sir Robert i r> rr" i i •!»
Wilson. am just now returned from Turnebacas, and \w\\\
lose no time in my report to you.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON". Q35
Turnebacas can be easily defended witb 400 or book rv.
•^ CHAP. V.
500 men, and an equal number of inhabitants ; the '^—■^v-**-'
^ 1809.
defile is very wide ; it is e.v tended from the side of J""<=-
Til T) 1 A •! 1 1 • Major Ruman
±.1 Larro de Avila by two roads ; betwixt both is a to sir Robert
Wilson.
rising ground, that commands them, and every ap-
proach from that side completely. The approach is
not so difficult as in Banas or so steep. The en-
tiance of the defile is one leao-ue from the village
of Turnebacas; and^ if this entrance should be lost,
the ground thence to the village affords a thou-
sand opportunities to make the approach of an
enemy almost impossible. The pass of Turnebacas
cannot be turned. The mountain* that forms its
west side, runs down to Almarez; — the east is
formed by the Sierra de Bejar. There is no other
road between Turnebacas and Banos. Artillery
can pass at Turnebacas, but with difficulty, and
can get no farther. The road betwixt these and
Xerte, is impracticable; it would require the blow-
ing up of rocks, and building of bridges, to make
it otherwise. From Xerte to Cavcsuela, 1 leao-ue,
a tolerable good road, with the exception of one
bridge ; the other 6 leagues to Placenzia ; and also
the way to El Barro de Avila, I understand, is
passable for artillery.
* Siera de Beira.
136
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^?H?^ J^" The road from here to Turnebacas is horrid ; it
CHAr. V.
1809 leads on the highest mountain near this, and is al-
June.
Major Ruinan
to sir Robert from
^V^lsoll,
most impracticable for cavalry. Another road goes
Banos
Puertes
1
Bejar
If
Besesas
2
Salanna
3
Turnebacas 3
Banos
Eibash 1
Cavesuella 3
Xerte 1
Turnebacas 1
10
Want of time has prevented me from reconnoi-
tring this road.
No more than fifty of the inhabitants of Turne-
bacas are armed, six in Xerte ; but the rest are wil-
ling to give all necessary assistance, and amount
to about 400.
To ascertain the exact number of men that we
may expect from the different villages, I have left
a paper, directed to the Alcaides, in the hands of
a Spanish colonel ; wherein I have desired them to
give you the wished-for information. The colonel
has promised to collect it from the greatest number
of villages, as he is to receive the accounts from
them, and to forward it to me from Bejar.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 23?
Forty French infantry which marched yesterday ^^^^^^^'
mornino'fiom Piedrohuts, for El Barco de Avila, were ^—^'^'-^•^
° ' ' 1809.
on the way, attacked by a party of Spanish soldiers /""«•
and armed peasantry, who killed four and took to sir Robert
Wilson.
five prisoners ; four other French soldiers deserted
the French, and joined the Spaniards. The Spa-
niards did not lose a single man,
I have picked up four French deserters, all Ger-
mans, two of them left this yesterday morning, in
disguise, for Avilo.
I am at a loss if I can enlist the four men,
who are all very anxious to enter the British ser-
vice ; all of them were in the Spanish service,
taken by the French, and compelled to enter theirs.
For want of clothing, the French have dressed
them in the long coats of the Spanish cavaliers.
Each has accounts of dates, as they arrived, with
their arms and accoutrements. I shall want your
farther orders about them, and, until then, keep
them here with me. I wish we could keep them ;
they are stout, good-looking, men, and some of
them have been trained to the guns.
Colonel IVIayne has sent us a barrel of gun-
powder and ammunition, so that we do not want
any thing, but more men and flints, of which the
detachment stands very much in need.
238
CAMPAIGNS IK SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
1809.
June.
Major Human
to sir Robert
Wilson.
r
Turnabacas from
LEAGUES.
Banos .... 6
Piedro hut ... 8
Avila . . . .18
EI Barco de Avila 5
Placencia ... 8
V^aragoiia . . .12
Bcjar .... 6
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
S. RUMAN,
Col. 97th,
Sir Robert Wilson, b? ii^adier-seneraL
4c. ^-c. 4"c.
Major Ruman
to cqL Mayiie.
Turnabacas is lost ! At 12 o'clock 300 French
infantry, and about 20 or 30 horse, attacked it on
the heights : we kept possession of the high road
till 2 o'clock, when our right and left wing turned,
retired through the village, and went to the moun-
tains between Turnabacas and Testes. If I re-
main here the night — God knows. I\Iy detachment
has behaved very ill. — To make them fight with
any regularity was impossible ; most of them are
t Turncbacas was quickly recovered.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 239
1 Portuguese corporal is dead,
2 Spanish soldiers dead.
BOOK- IV.
CIIA P. V.
1809.
June,
JIISSING. Major Human
to col. Mayne.
S. E. P.
1 1 14 Portuguese.
2 2 36 Espagnols.
3 3 30 Valvons.
t7 6 80
Farewell, yours,
J. RuMAN. Major.
IStk March, half past 3, P. M,
My dear sir Robert, SsfrR^wiS^
Having communicated the contents of go^Marchsd?
colonel D'Urhan's letter to the governor, he ^^^^'
agreed to the necessity of immediately sending the
reinforcements you require, and desired me to at-
tend the meeting of the junta, at twelve o'clock,
when he should propose it for their approbation.
He says, he thinks they will not agree to the
march of more than 400 men. It is, he is well
aware of, the advantageous position in which they
are to be placed, and that, should a retreat be
necessary, they are as secure from being cut off as
they would be in the town of Rodrigo.
240 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
tosu
I am determined, however, to apply for 60O,
jg^^ and shall press it to the utmost of my power.
June. jIj^ captain of banditti who took the French
Uuy 1 tistrange
R.Wilson, niail, is here ; he promises to join you to-morrow
or on the following day, with 25 men, well
mounted; this will be a very desirable reinforce-
ment, under an enterprising and intelligent leader.
The governor says that 60 more cavalry are pre-
paring to join you, but the want of people to make
their saddles at present delays them ; all possible
despatch shall be used to equip them. Captain
Lauda seems much hurt at a report which has been
circulated about him, of the Portuguese dragoons
not doing their duty yesterday ; this has been
communicated to the good people of the town, by
letters from the Spaniards who were with you.
Several people were acquainted with the affair, and
discussed it in the Plaza, before I heard any thing
of it.
There are in the stables here three Portuguese
horses, which the junta represent as being an un-
necessary expense, as said horses eat barley, though
they do no work: — I have seen them, and agree
in the opinion of the junta of Rodrigo, Laurdaalso
confirms my sentence, which is, that they should
either be shot, or sent to their regiment at Almeida;
the latter seems the most just and perhaps \\}e
most merciful decision.
UNDER LORD "WELLINGTONS £41
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
1809.
I have just returned from the junta, who are at
this blessed moment in consultation as to the 600,
and the result of their decision on this subject, as J"ne.
-Guy 1 'Estrange
well as with respect to the horses for our dra- tosirR.wuson.
goons, will be communicated to me at half past
two o'clock.
They beg their congratulations to Grant, on his
fortunate escape, by which they assure me they are
convinced that the life of " a very valuable officer
has been saved." When the governor commu-
nicates the result of their debates, I shall finish my
letter.
The governor informs me that, after mature de-
liberation, the junta have decided on giving 300
men of the regiment of. Avilla, and if it should
happen that there are any men above that number
remaining belonging to the same companies, they
shall also accompany them. He says, the junta
intend writing to you their reasons for not sending
more men, and explaining the various corps, de-
tachments, and duties, formed by the governor.
He told me, he believed if we had not demanded
more than 400, they would have limited their
bounty to 200. The horses for the dragoons are
ready, 1 have given a receipt for them, and they
will be sent off immediately. His excellency begs
that I may not deceive you as to the hour of their
arrival, which he says is uncertain, as he has
VOL. IV. R
242 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN A:;^ i> PORTUGAL,
^c?i?p^v^^' ^^^^'^ys great difticulty in gelling his people out of
'^^''•'^^^-''•^ the town ; he has, however, ordered their major to
1809. ^75 J
June. send chosen men, and assures nie he will hasten
Guy I'Estrange. i • i . , . x
to sir R. Wilson, thcu* departure by every means ni his power. 1
shall go over to St. Estevan in the morning, to
make myself as much acquainted as lies in my
power, with your intentions as to the detachment,
and shall return to Sfuto Espirito before their
arrival.
Believe me, dear sir,
Your most faithful servant,
Guy L'Estrange.
P. S. Your letters to colonel Alayne, >cia Abad,
MajorRumaii to "■
col. Mayne. Lisbou, and Seville, have already set out on their
1 uniaviicas, "^
Marchi6,iao9. scvcral joumies.
Dear colonel,
A Walloon, that was in the engagement of
yesterday, has deserted the French this morning at
El Barco, and arrived here at 1 1 o'clock ; 300 in-
fantry and 55 cavalry attacked us ; infantry are
foreigners, and willing to desert, but closely
watched l^y the cavalry.
I inclose to you a parcel of papers which the
French left in Los Casas de Puertos : how thev came
in their possession I cannot tell ; they did not find
them neither in mine nor in Terrerossy's portman-
teau.
UXDEli LORD WELLINGTON'. 243
6 o'clock, p.m. BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
I have iust now received your note of the 16th 1809.
^' ^ June.
instant. The French have left El Barco, and jiajorRumant.
marched for Piedrohits, but promised to return ^°'' ^^"^"^
very soon. I shall quietly expect their arrival, try
my men once more, but at all events make good
my retreat through the mountains. A good po-
sition can be taken at Sertos, another at Cave-
suella ; Til take one after the other, and only
consider Banos as my last retreat. This valley can
be defended, inch for inch, with few troops, — but
not with the kind that I have here.
]\Ty servant is in Banos, you will oblige me in
sending him here ; also the letters.
Sir Robert's box (No. 1.) is lost, with the rest of
my baggage.
Another instance of the bravery of Spanish
peasants. More than 100 of them arrived here to-
day, offered their services to me, and promised to
do every thing. At 2 o'clock in the afteraoon
we had an alarm, more than 100 peasants marched
with us from hence, — but no more than 25 arrived
on the heights : I no sooner left them for a few
minutes, tlian every one disappeared.
I want ammunition and men. Pray what can
you give me?
Money is very scarce with me : I have already
borrowed from my officers : — What can be the
R 2
244 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. reason of it, my tailors do not send me the blue
CHAP. V. ' ->
^"^^^^^ jackets? they must be ready, and my men want
Jane. them very much.
Major Ruman .,,.,. ^ . , . , ,
tosoi. Mayne. Where IS the brigadier r and where is colonel
D'Urban ?
A cannonade towards Almarez has been heard
this morning by 9 o'clock, by some peasants, but
not by me.
I hope you have got my letter of this morning.
Yours, &c. &c.
S. Ruman.
My letter of this morning is brought back to
me by a peasant, who says, that he cannot pass
the mountains on account of the snow. I enclose
it, and thank yon to send it to the brigadier.
S. R.
My dear Ruman,
major Ruman!' Sir Robcrt Wilsou dlrccts me to acquaint
MTrcirgs'ieog. you, that as the enemy seems to have made but a
vain menace against Ciudad Rodrigo, and that it is
probable he is about to retire ; he wishes colonel
Mayne and his division to movT in the direction of
the city, taking particular care to send an officer
forward to Ciudad Rodrigo, as soon as you arrive
at Perales, to inform the general of your approach.
Should you precede the division, you will leave
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON, 245
these instructions for colonel Mayne, at Perales, ^^J^^^^'-
observing at the same time, to order the necessary ^^"^^^^^
provisions for the men as you advance. • •^"'»*-
^ , " 111 ColJ.Wilson to
It appears certain, that the Portuguese have had major Ruman.
a cannonade with the enemy, under the walls of
the city, and ha-ve conducted themselves very
well.
Yours, most sincerely,
J. Wilson.
In Gallicia, the Spaniards have taken Vigo, and JeSefbT
Villa Franca del Bcrcio, where they made prisoners BrozSiayii,
one of the best regiments of the French empire ; ^^^^'
they have also taken the town of Santiago, in which
place was destroyed the division of general Ney,
and himself killed : this was done by the marquis
la Romaaa, and the inhabitants of Galicia ; and in
that province there are no French except in Co-
runna, and in Ferrol. We are also assured that
Russia has declared war against France. The
French at Oporto have desired to capitulate,
but general sir Arthur Wellesley will not accept the
terms they have proposed.
The French have lost a great many men at
Perros, and they have also lost some men at
Molino de Aragon.
An insurrection appears to have taken place in
Paris, where they have killed two generals. Cuesta
246 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV
CilAP. V.
gets every day new reinforcements, and he is
forming; an army of reserve.
1809. ^ "^
juHc. xi^e French have evacuated Merida, and are
dying every day, to the amount of fifty and
seventy.
I give every credit to the ahove.
J. GliANT,
Lieut.-colonel, L. L. Legion.
N. B. I inclose a gazette from Seville, of the 1st
of May. J. G.
Col. Grant to
col. Rlayne.
Ikozas.MavU,
My dear colonel,
Yesterday, on receipt of your favor,* I
1809. ■ was on my way to attack, if possible, the enemy's
cavalry, they having entered Las Navas, two very
short leagues in my front ; on entering that village,
I found they had again retired; there were only 30
of ihem. They ordered rations for 600 infantry
and 200 cavalry, to be ready this morning. — 60
cavalry of the enemy have just now entered the
village of Las Navas, and I am quite prepared to
receive them should they advance here ; the legion
are very well disposed, and 1 shall pay every at
tention to your instructions, either as to retreat or
advance, 1,000 of them having only advanced to
Caceres ; we all of us are sufficient for them, if I
should be forced back on you. 1 left yesterday
four men at Las Navas, two of them have behaved
very well; I shall report their names to you.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 247
BOOK rv.
CHAP. V.
A peasant has just come in from Las Navas, and
states, that the enemy have again retired, and tliat
they had not seen any infantry. J"»<^-
^ . . "^ J. Grant to
I am not ot opinion they mean to advance se- coi. Ma^ne
riously on Alcantara, yet it is better to be prepared,
taking care not to alarm the people, or allow them
to think we mean to desert them, else we shall have
no rations ; all the people here have escaped into
the countr}\ Soon as I learn more of the enemy's
motions, I shall send you immediate notice, and
attend to your orders soon as possible in respect
to the corps.
My dear colonel, excuse this scroll ; I am in the
field, and it is wrote on a wall.
Faithfully yours,
J. Grant,
Lieut.-colonelj Lt. Legion.
Do me the favour to send me back the serjeant
who delivers you this; he may be very useful
to me.
C'est bien sensible jour cette t»nta, ce i>o«i^amon
y '^ ' Blanco to cul
qui elle vienne de savoir par la lettre, qui vous ^^J^*"'
lui faites I'honneur d'ecrire. Vos plaintes sur le
resus des habitants de Miranda a le fournissement
dcs rations pour les soldats du LL.L. meritent de
I'attei^tion, et cette junta ne pourra pas se passer
248 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. (le prendre sur le champ toutes les mesures possibles
CHAP. V. i l^ '
'^■■^•"v'^i^ pour faire comprendre A. Miranda le sacr^ de son
June. devoir a cet egard.
Don Ramon t» • m i
Blanco to coL J El Ihonncur de vous tonoigner,
^^^' Monsieur le Colonel,
Toute ma consideration,
Come gouverneur president,
Ramon Blanco.*
M. Le Colonel Moj/ne.
Brozas, \6thMay, 1809.
My dear Colonel,
SI Macule!* The day before yesterday I patrolled to
my front, by way of Las Navas, being there in-
formed that a considerable quantity of shoes were
collecting at Caceres for the enemy. Seven leagues
* It is very painful to this junta to hear, what it is informed of
by the letter which you have done it the honour to write. Your
complaints of the refusal of the inhabitants of Miranda, to furnish
rations for the soldiers of the Loyal Lusitanian Legion, merit
every attention; and this junta cannot lose a moment to take
' every possible means of making Miranda comprehend the sacred-
ness of its duty in this respect.
I have the honour to evince to you,
Colonel,
All my consideration
Ramon Blanco,
Governor-president.
Colonel Mayne.
UNDEU LORD WELLINGTON", 249
BOOK IV,
CUAP. V.
from hence I determined to seize them : by seven at
niofht I was about to enter the town, but was in-
* ^ 1809.
formed it was already in possession of the enemy's J""«5-
Col. Grant to
cavahy, 60 in number, nnich on the alert, with coi.Ma^ne.
fires in the street.
I encamped, during the night, within a short
distance of the town ; at day-light 1 retired to Las
Navas, and from thence here.
At six, yesterday morning, the enemy's cavalry
retired, (taking with them some nezv saddles,) they
returned back in one hour ; and, at two o'clock
yesterday, 1000 men entered the village, viz. 600
infantry and 400 cavalry.
You may believe I keep my detachment on the
alert, by patrols, and their intentions as yet I am
not able to penetrate ; at all events, it is our occu-
pying Alcantara and Brozas, and patrolling, has
called their attention more immediately : They
wish to protect Caceres, and to overawe the vil-
lages in the vicinity, from whence they draw pro-
visions and other stores, and at the same time
hamper us.
Caceres are in general French, and many of
the villages in its vicinity in their favour, so that
greater caution is requisite.
The enemy, say they, intend marching this
way ; but I rather imagine they fear an advance on
our part.
-50 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. At all events I think it will be highly necessarv,
CHAP. V. O J -^ '
'^-•'"v-'**^ that I should have fifty more men of the leo-ion,
1809. -^ o »
June. two officers, four Serjeants, six corporals, an.l two
Col. Grant to . i' i i • t i i
toi.Mayne. tlrums, onc or them legion; i must have always
one drum on the main guard. The Serjeants I have
are without any species of arms, and hope you
will send them Jit^e-locks.
I, at the same time, find, amongst my militia,
a considerable want of ammunition.
Do me the favour to send, by the detachment,
a box of spare ammunition, flints, &c. the militia
have only one each.
There is also a total want of blankets for the
men; and I understand with the amnuinition I
should receive blankets.
In respect to the Alcaides of this village, he
replies that he feels it sufficient to find provisions
for the troops here ; and that the Alcaide, mayor of
Alcantara, has, under his direction, forty villages,
he only this of Brozas.
I have sent to the Alcaide of las Navas, to en-
force an order of your Alcaide, in respect to
cattle, ^nd Ihaye po doubt but, in the course of
to-day, you will receive some cattle from them.
I still hope, in some days, to fall in with some
French shoes.
It is a most unpleasant circumstance that I liave
merely the name of cavalry^ some of them want
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
251
even swortls, many of them pistols; and I have ^^^^f;^-
no aminnnition wliatever that will suit for either "^^^^^
their pistols or carbines. I rather think the Spa- ^""'='
^ Co). Grant to
nish ball-cartridges will suit better than the Eng- coi. Mujne.
lish. Send me one box of the former, or a pro-
portion for thirty carbines. I shall send by the
sejjeant a return of what the Almeida heroes
want, to be sent to Cox, with a strong letter
from you on the subject. Indeed, it will be ne-
cessary to send a copy to general JMackenzie,
Abrantes, stating the absolute inutility of cavalry
wanting every equipment to meet an enemy.
Ciudad Pvodrigo should also be wrote to, in
strong terms, requesting cavalry; the cause is
their own, and that city at present can well spare
a considerable number. Do, my dear sir, remedy
these evils as far as in your power ; they, in exist-
ing circumstances, are extremely essential. In-
deed, if general Alackenzie does nothing as to the
cavalry, I must renounce the command of them ;
I know them ; they will hardly meet an enemy
when well armed. What will they do in their
present state .^
I have not as vet been able to reconnoitre the
back, but will soon.
I have got a very good local map of this pro-
vince. Do send me a pair of compasses, and, if
^52 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.
BOOK IV. possible, the Spanish and EngHsh book I men-
'^-""■v"*^ tioned to you, or any other.
1809. , \. . T^ , J
June. Is there any thmg fro'.n sn* Robert, or any word
CJol. Grant to ^ , «,
col. Ma;ne. oi my scrvant ?
I send you a hare and two rabbits for dinner.
I had intimated being in Alcantara to-day ; but
I am anxious to ascertain something more of my
friends in Caceres.
On this occasion I find our friend Ruman has
forgot us as to information.
I send back by the serjeant some sick, having
here no means of recovering them. A surgeon,
I presume, at present, you cannot spare.
I have estabhshed a tolerable connexion with
the Alcaides, in the way of Noticias.
There is a road along the river from Alcantara
to Barca via Abconeta ; it is no great distance
from Caceres. There is another bank up the river,
called Valdecanas, and no great distance from
Truxillo.
I am just informed, from a very respectable chan-
nel, that there has been an action betwixt Cuesta
and the enemy, decidedly in favour of Cuesta, the
enemy losing very considerably both in cavalry
and infantry; the French having retreated four
leagues, and the artillery of the enemy that was
at S. Servan, had also retreated back on Merida,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. ^SS
lam apt to give this news much credit, from 1000 ^^j,^^^ J^*
of the French, having so unexpectedly entered ^^^^^^T^^
Caccres: and the cavahv party, of 60, having so J""^.
-^ ' *^' . ^ Col. Grant t9
suddenly returned with them, having heen gone coi Mayrj«.
only one hour. All the people I have sent out to
gain intelligence, con^rm the above statement :
the battle is said, to have principally disputed iu
the vicinity of Fuentes de Cantos.
The enemy in Caceres have demanded a quan-
tity of mortar so be carried to Truxillo, for the
purpose of building some fortifications : this is
still a further confirmation of Cuesta's having suc-
ceeded.
You will, perhaps, feel it necessary, by some
means, to convey the whole of the above intelli-
gence to head quarters, in which case pray ixjnem-
ber your humble servant, as it will be useful,
through our friend the quarter-master-general.
Money I find very useful here, and absolutely
necessary to open an account against the public,
for the purpose of gaining intelligence.
My dear sir,
BelievT me most faithfully, yours,
J. Grant,
Lieut. -colonel
Colonel Mai/ne, S^c. ^c. ^c.
Alcanttra,
^^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. Cj
CHAP. V. •JJlj
^"^[^J^^J]**^ On my arrival here I found that all that
June. ^yj^g written to you about the Pont de Conp-aspo,
Communication o i
of John Pink to was but reports. Martha has sent two men from
col. Majne.
here to inquire ; he doubts much that any French
came there. I think it is useless mv G:oin2: there,
. it being four leagues hence instead of three, as we
thought.
I remain here until nine o'clock, waiting for the
post, which will bring the news from Cuesta's
army, and Estremadura.
All the French at Salamanca took yesterday,
a 4, p. m. the road to Ciudad Rodrigo, with 100
waggons, loaded with rations, ladders, and ropes;
they were 6000 men strong. No other news.
I am,
Sir,
Your most humble servant,
John Pink,
I I o'clock, p. m.
Broias, WilMay^ 1809.
My dear Colonel,
CjI. Grant to riii i , i -i •
col. wa^ae. 1 lic cncmy have not made their appear-
ance since I wrote you in the morning.
They are anxious to gain intelligence in respect
to us all, and our strength.
UNDER LORD ^VELLINGTO^^ 255
The same division that entered Las Navas this book iv.
-CIl Al>. V.
mornino-, entered Roi Del Parco, last ni"ht, at ^«— -v-*-^
■^ J o 7 1809.
eleven o'clock, and ordered guides for Brozas ; but J"»°-
, . "^ . Col. Grant to
on their road turned off to Las Navas, and agani coi. Majne.
returned about eight o'clock to Caceres. I have
sent after them to ascertain what they are about.
Another party of cavalry went still more to my
right; they formed in some measure a circle. The
reply made by the Alcaide, mayor of Las Navas,
to their inquiry, was, that we were in Alcantara
5000 strong; at Brozas, 500 infantry and 100
cavalry. Soon as I can I shall attend to your or-
ders in respect to the Barcas, and to your instruc-
tions in general ; at tlie same time you must be
well aware, that our out-posts are liable to so
many casualties, that it is impossible to be correct
in point of time on reports, or otherwise. Hi-
therto I have been always guided by circumstances
and situation; at the same time I shall endeavour
to comply, at least, with the spirit of your in-
structions.
I have seen a very spirited proclamation from
the junta of Badajos, directing a general armament
of the inhabitants of Estremadura ; indeed, this
province wants nothing to appear in arms but the
sight of troops, to any respectable number.
With 3000 mote regular troops, I am well con-
^56
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK TV.
CHAP. V.
1809.
June.
Col. Grant to
eel. Majne
viiiced this province would immediately join against
the enemy.
One soldier from Ahueida informs me, that
eleven of our cavahy reported themselves ready
ibr marcli to (Local) brigadier-general Cox, and
that he ordered them to remain where they were.
And he liad also the audacity to take from our
cavalry the new swords they had received, and
give them old, useless ones.
In short, the legion is no favourite with Mr.
Cox. Whv? because sir Robert has distins;uished
himself, and they have come out to reap the har-
vest.
I inclose a return of what is wanting in the ca-
valry ; in short, they want every thing, and 1 have
sent to general Betlair, even now appointed.
The whole of this, I think, should be repre-
sented to sir Robert, I think it an insult on us all ;
be is a very great man with his new elevation.
I have drawn from Las Navas, notwithstanding
the enemy, for your use, twenty bullocks : I keep
two of them here, and eighteen will be with you
to-morrow by eleven o'clock.
The most friendly man I have found at Las
Navas, and to whom I am very much obliged, in
many respects, (and tlie same individual now sends
these eighteen cattle,) is the very person you di-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON, ' 257
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
rectcd me to make a prisoner of; but more of this
when we meet. JMeantimc you may rest assured ^^^^
he is a good patriot. ■^"°*'-
Col. Grant to
I have just seen a gazette extraordinary, from coi. Mayne.
Seville, stating our destroying the enemy's fleet in
Basque Roads, and the arrival of general Wel-
lesley, with 30,000 English troops.
I inclose you the substance of a letter, just now
received by our Alcaide mayor, to which I give
every credit.
Your Serjeant has just arrived, but brought
nothing from you. I need hardly again say, that
another drum is necessary ; it is impossible for two
drums, alternately, to do this duty.
Collecting all this news in a body, you will pro-
bably think it necessary to send a courier to ge-
neral Beresford, concerning the same, to general
Machin, Abrantes.
Do send to the latter for some cavalry : in that
case you are properly adequate to drum the enemy
out of Caceres ; this would be glorious !
The enemy's cavalry are of Westphalia, conse-
quently not the better in the cause of France.
My dear colonel,
Your's, most faithfully,
J. Grant,
Colonel Mayne, cobnel of brigade.
Commandant, SfC. Alcantara.
VOL. IV. S
258 CHAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. ]s^^ j^ Russia has certainly declared, or is about
CHAP. V, J '
''-'''"v"'*^ declarins:, war ao:ainst France. — Every news good.
1809. a' & .7 o
June. You will be, &c. &c.
Col. Grant to
col. Maj?nc. Xhe cavalry officer is unwell, and I have ordered
the ■ to join immediately. J. G.
My dear colonel.
Col. Grant to All icmains quiet here, nothinsr of the
col. Mayne. _ n > h> ^
Brozas.Maj^ 12, enciiiy siucc yesterday-morning, I have a spy in
Caceres ; he observed the party of yesterday enter
that village about II a.m. on their return.
I had patroles two leagues to the front during
the night, and I have a corporal and four men in
Las Navas, with regular rounds during the night,
and the whole of the troops are under arms by
day-light, and remain so until my last cavalry-pa-
troles return and make their report.
I have inclosed the most recent news, and I
believe you may depend on its being correct.
Only 500 men, including cavalry, are now in
Caceres, and I rather imagine, they do not mean to
remain long ; there would be an excellent opportu-
nity for us ; Cox's infantry, the cavalry, and two
guns, would force them to retire immediately. I
shall watch their niotions and numbers, and in the
mean time you will probably think of a movement
against them, and give me your opinion and di-
rections to that effect.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 259
I have sent this morning a small patrole to Gar- ^^Jl^^^^'
rillas, a village within a league of the bark of ^^^*^JJ^^*^
Albeoneta, with positive orders to the alcaide J^"«-
' . Col. Grant to
mayor of that place, to destroy the connection of coi, Mayne.
the bark with this side of the river ; I shall look at
it myself as soon as I can leave this vicinity.
The cattle would have been with vou this morn-
ing, but the weather is so'warm that I was advised
to defer it until the afternoon.
Believe, most faithfully yours,
J. Grant,
Lieut.- colonel, L. L. Legion.
I wish the doctor would send my book and map
by the bearer. Compliments to him and Mrs.
Mellingen.
Do send back the bearer to-night, with any other
of those fellows that may be skulking about in
your city. J. G.
N. B. My dear colonel, my corporal from Navas
has just come to say that the enemy have evacu-
ated Caceres, but adds, that the alcaide of Navas
wishes me to be careful of admitting the bearer of
this news (a priest,) into this post, as he believes
his intention is, to ascertain our numbers and in-
tentions; I have accordingly directed him to be
stopped at the main guard, outside of the town,
s S
Col. Grant to
col. r:
Broza
130&.
2>60 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
and will detain him until the news he brings is
confirmed or otherwise.
The result you will be made acquainted with
as soon as I learn any thing certain.
Two days ago general Cuesta wrote to the
governor of Badajos that he was convinced the
Brozaaiiyi2, ^^^^Y ^^crc preparing for a march, but that he in-
tended to keep close in their rear ; that a part of
them had fallen back on Cordovilla, five leagues
from Merida, and the enemy at Montego had
already marched from thence towards the rear.
Cuesta had also sent to Badajos for 4,000 in-
fantry and 700 cavalry, and directed them, at the
same time, to prepare for him a bridge of boats, to
be carried on mules, for the purpose of following
the enemy, and tracing it across the Tagus, at Al-
marez, the French being in possession of a bridge
there sufficient to cross themselves and their artil-
lery ; as in the event of their retreat, they will most
likely destroy it, general Cuesta having previously
done the same to the stone one.
The line of march of the enemy's left is Truxillo,
Javaiceja, and Almarez, the right, in Cordovilla,
and its vicinity.
At the bridge of Arzobispo, the French artillery
cannot pass.
Within these few days Zafra was the head-quar-
ters of general Cuesta.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 261
I believe the above statement to be perfectly ^^J^^^J^'
correct. ^"^T^XT^
J. Grant, lieut.-Gol. juuc
L. L. Legion.
N. B. The enemy have again retired from
Caceres. J- G.
My dear colonel.
The enemy have certainly entirely left Caceres ; ^^/jJJ^y'JfJ''
they had parties of cavalry out in every direction, BrMas.Mayii,
and on the return of their cavalry from Las Navas
yesterday at 12 o'clock, they immediately marched
to Alcuescar, on the Muida road, six leagues from
Caceres, and two from Muida ; it was from Al-
cuescar they originally came.
Medellin is again in possession of a post of
Cuesta's army; they also occupy Villa Franca.
His head-quarters, sometimes Zafra, sometimes
Monestered.
The enemy, when in Caceres, were not appa-
rently in much spirits, — said nothing of the Ger-
man war, but the Westphalians were not on the
best terms with their French allies ; many of them
had deserted.
I send tliis by a dragoon sent in charge of the
cattle.
My dear colonel,
Always most faithfully yours,
J. Grant, lieut.-col.
L, L. Legion,
262
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
N. B. I am sorry to be under the necessity of
stating to you, that on examining the militia under
my command, as to ammunition wanting, to receive
1809.
June.
Col. Grant to
col. Mayne. a ictum of 1007, Several of tliem bavins: none.
This is terrible ; had we had occasion to have
used them. I thought the colonel had reported
them on all points complete. J.G.
^f' £""**" What I stated to you last niaht in respect
col. Mayne. -^ ® '
My dear colonel.
What I St;
?8o?''^^^^^' to the enemy having quitted Caceres, was correct.
But I have now to inform you, that yesterday, at
four in tlie afternoon, intelligence was received
of 10,000 infantry, cavalry, with their artillery;
(I imagine, light pieces.)
I have patroles out in every direction ; this
morning I have heard nothing of them ; should I
not see them by mid-day, their intentions are on
some other object than Alcantara.
I shall give you immediate notice of their ad-
vance, and in force fall back with the cavalry to
the village in my rear, sending you the infantry,
excepting a few cacadores, that may annoy tliem a
little amongst the walls, between the village and
Alcantara. Did you fire any of your artillery last
night ? — Tell me if you approached.
I imagine, (if you find it necessary,) there will be
plenty of time to draw your guns from the town.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 263
I certainly think they do not mean passing this ^^Jl^J^^'
way :— It may have been influenced by some news, ^^g^^'
Yours, faithfully, J""^-
J. Grant, lieut.-col.
The result of these little operations terminated
as follows :
" By advices from Alentejo it is confirmed that a ^jf ^^q^'^^^-
column of the enemy, 11,000 strong, detached
from the French army at Merida, attempted to pass
the bridge of Alcantara, with the intention, as is
supposed, of coming to assist Soult ; but about a
thousand Portuguese, who were at the bridge,
obliged them to fall back, killing 16OO of them.
This number, so unequal, shews well the bravery
of the Portuguese."
" It is known that the French army ofEstre- Lisbon Gazette,
of Hay 20.
madura, having abandoned the Guadarama, marched
in the direction of Alcantara, to cross the Tagus.
On the 12th instant the place was attacked by a
division of from 10 to 12,000 men, commanded, as
is supposed, by marshal Victor in person. — No
other troops happened to be there than one battalion
of the Loyal Lusitanian Legion, and the regiment
of the militia of Idanha, with six pieces of can-
non, and 150 horse of the regiment No. 11, all
commanded by colonel Mayne, of the Loyal Legion,
the troops not exceeding in the whole 1,800 men.
264
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
1809.
June.
Lisbon Gazette,
That valiant garrison, which had already disputed
the ground with the enemy in Braga, occupied by
its advanced parties, succeeded in obstructing the
of May 20. passagc for six hours, in presence of an enemy
vastly superior in number, and artillery, with some
loss in men killed and wounded, yet without losing
one smgle piece of ordnance. Major Grant de-
serves the highest praise on account of his conduct
in this action.'*
Extract of a letter dated the 14th of May, at
night, from the camp near Alcantara.
" This morning, at eight o'clock, three of the,
enemy's columns, with artillery and cavalry, at-
tacked furiously our position on the height before
this place ; the small force which the brave colonel
Mayne of the Loyal Lusitanian Legion, governor of
the town, had, consisted of 1,200 men of the regi-
ment of Idanha, and 600 of the first division of the
Lusitanian Legion.
'.' The enemy had 10,000 infantry, 1,500 cavalry,
and 12 field-pieces. Our artillery and infantry
fought with such fury, and such indescribable bra-
very until sun-set, that they maintained the pass
against all the efforts of the enemy, whose supe-
riority was so excessive."
^up"ieienf ^ ^^"^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^ of Alcantara, th^ French have
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 265
not yet advanced in that part of Spain ; they are in ^^^^^^ J^*
force in Valentia de Alcantara, and make inroads '^^^.^'^»^
1809.
into the vicinity, yet without penetrating farther J""e.
into the interior. foTheS„
" On the 19th and 20th instant, two Portuguese gg,''"' ''^'^^"^
regiments of infantry of the Hne, one Enghsh regi-
ment of foot, four squadrons of Portuguese horse,
two squadrons of English cavalry, and an excellent
Portuguese park of artillery, marched from this
capital. These troops are proceeding, partly by
water and partly by land, to Santareni, in order to
form a junction with the corps commanded by
lieutenant-general Miranda, and which, reinforce*!
by the above troops, will be from 20 to 30,000
men strong. His head -quarters were removed on
the 1st instant, from Thomar 10 Abrantes."
The present narrative now arrives at the period
at which sir Arthur Wellesley makes the allusions
which conclude the last chapter.
As therein stated, the enemy under Victor made i^t attack of
•^ Alcantara.
an attack on the small garrison of Alcantara, and
carried it on the 14th of May.
The inhabitants of this antient and renowned,
though poorly fortified, city, endeavoured to ob-
struct the passage of the river, over which is a
magnificent Roman bridge, built by the dignified
-6^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK W.
CHAP. V.
1809.
Trajan, and the last act of his grandeur in Spain.
They excavated the road to the depth of near
June. twenty feet, and also constructed a kind of abbatis
Aiclntara. across it. They then urgently solicited, by every
means, a British force for its defence.
Colonel Mayne, under whose command the bri-
gade at Alcantara remained, had already, on the
7th, issued the following orders :
Instructions of
lieut.-col. Grant,
In the event of the enemy moving upon Alcan-
conimandnig ^.^^^ -^ great forcc, vou will order immediately
the out-posts of o » J J
AiJnZy' ^^^^ -0^ infantry under your command to fall back
MaT?; ifoT^ to the heights of Alcantara, on the east side of the
Tagus, remaining with the cavalry under your
orders as long as you can in safety, for any in-
formation concerning the enemy's advance. I
find the town of Alcantara so thoroughly indefen-
sible, that it is out of the question to take any
steps for its defence ; and the greater object being
the pass of the Tagus, it must be abandoned ; but
should the enemy come forward in small force, or
in any numbers equal to our own, I should re-
commend a skirmishing retreat, falling back upon
my force, which shall, in this case, be prepared to
give them a very warm reception.
You will patrole on the line of Caceres, towards
Aroyo de Puerco, and in the circle of Alcantara,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON, - 26?
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
as your judgment may point out to you, keeping a
watchful eye on the upper line of the Tagus.
You will send reports to my head-quarters every J""^-
i^ J ^ J Col. Mayneto
third day, of every thing that passes under your coi. Graut.
command ; being careful in procuring and for-
warding, immediately, every other iuformation of
greater importance.
I have the honour to be, &c. &c. &c.
(Signed) William ^VIjAyne,
Colonel, .commanding the
brigade at Alcantara.
On the following day, general Cuesta thus ad-
dressed him for a co-operation.
Most excellent sir,
The news that I have received, that General Cuest*
to col. Mayne,
2,000 troops have arrived under your conmiand in comraandaut of
^ '' the allied troops
the place of Alcantara, has o-jven me the greatest ^ ^'""J'"''';
* ' o O Dated May 8,
satisfaction, and the more particularly so, as I un- ^^°^-
derstand these to be tiie advance of a large army of
British troops, under his excellency general Wel-
]esley, moving into Spain.
I should think marshal Victor with his army will
make a disposition to enter Portugal from Estre-
madura, to relieve general Soult ; and it will give
me much pleasure to concert any plans for the im-
pediment of the enemy's movement in the vicinity
-^8 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^cJl^v^' o^ ^a^'ijos and Elvas, the former place being now
^"^^J^*^ fortified and strengthened in the best possible maii-
june. j^gj.^ jj. J5 j^jgQ probable, they may try to pass the
General Cuesta
to col. Majue. Tagus at Alcantara, and to move on to Castello
Branco, in Portugal.
Your excellency may depend upon every infor-
mation that I can obtain ; and of my determination
to pursue the enemy's movement in either case ;
and to harass them by every means in my
power.
I trust your excellency will have the goodness
to inform me of all the circumstances that may
transpire for the good of our common cause, and
to believe that it will be my greatest desire to ren-
der every assistance to the allies, as captain-general
of the province of Estremadura,
May God preserve your excellency !
&c. &c. &c.
(Signed) Greg, de la Cuesta.
The several juntas thus followed : —
The«upreme This Supreme junta has been very much pleased
ofEstremadura, . i f i i •
to col. Mayne, at the TCccipt of your despatch of the 7th instant,
cornmandant at ^ ^ ^
Alcantara. in which you iuform them of your safe arrival, with
the troops under your command, at Alcantara.
They beg to send you their most cordial thanks for
the energetic disposition that your military skill
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. S.69
and sound penetration has made, to put the po- bookiv.
sition of Alcantara in a vioorous state of defence, ^"-"^"v^"-^
° ' 1809.
and they are well persuaded that your presence, -f"""^-
1 11 !• I MI 1 . The supieme
ana well-dnected measures, will prevent the wrongs junta of
that Alcantara has suffered, in its weak state, from tocoLxMa^jne,
being repeated ; and that the enemy will be repelled
.with steadiness whenever they attempt to renew
their invasion.
The honourable, faithful, and most cordial al-
liance, that so firmly unites the three nations,
must reanimate the glorious cause in which all are
so much interested ; and the junta, confiding in
your military knowledge, with all pleasure confer
on you their full powers of government, for the de-
fence of Alcantara and its dependencies.
God preserve your important life for many
years \
(Signed) Louis Maria de Mendoza,
Juan Cabrera de la Rocha.
In the 7ia7ne of the supreme junta of Estremadura.
Badajos, May 10, 1809.
The junta of government and war of the tlie^ITnta^'^fAi
citadel and town of Alcantara, and its dependen- Sa^ne,' com-^'
cies, in full meeting assembled, haVing taken into J'^?"'^'"- ^''^
consideration your military and political knowledge,
of so much importance in any case of invasion from
the enemy, and so useful and beneficial to the
gade of Al-
cantara.
1809.
June.
Address from
the junta of i
cantara to co
27f> CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK w. Spanish nation, and its ally Great Britain, bee: leave
CHAP-. V. ■» ' •/ ' O
to name you a member of it, and to request 3^our
presence at their councils, when your other occu-
the junta of Ai- patjous Will admit or it, and to beg that you will
cantara to col.
Mayne. allow thcin to distiuguish you with the cross and
medal * of the junta of the government and
war, as worn by the members, and to present you
with them.
God preserve you for many years !
(Signed) Fernando Maria Pantoza,
Julian Romero Flores.
In the name of the junta of Alcantara.
Alcantara, May 12, 1809.
Letter from tiie Thc supcrlor juuta of Castillc has received your
superior junta
ofcastiue communicatiou I they are happy to hear that the
dated Ciudad _ -^ ' * -^
Rodrigo, May ffood aud Valiant troops that were lately so suc-
12, 1809, to *^ ^ -^
col. Mayne, ccssfully uscful at Ciudad Rodrio-0, are likely to be
commandmg o ^ «/
the brigade of tlic samc undcr A'our orders, for the defence of our
Alcantara. *' '
grand cause, at Alcantara. The junta have lately
received the agreeable news, that the mo^t ex-
cellent general Cuesta has, upon late occasions,
been very successful in his attacks upon the enemy,
and that his operations are proving very injurious
to them.
* A red cros"; with a pendant gold inedal, one side, "AI
Meiito ;" the reverse, a right hand and eye, with thc word,
" Cuidado."
UXDER LORD WELLINGTON. 271
The junta are very sorry they cannot accord ^^^j^^^^^'
with your request, of placing, under the orders of ^"^^^J^"*^
lieut.-colonel Grant, the cavahy that he had with J""*^-
Letter from the
him in Castille, as they are actually now employed superior jimta
•^ " , to col. Mayne.
with a division of our army to the great inconve-
nience of the enemy at Bozan and Ledesma, or
they would have had great satisfaction in comply-,
ing, in every possible manner, with your wishes.
(Signed) Ramon Blanco.
Govr. and President,
In the name of the supeinor junta of Castille*
Notwithstanding these views and hopes, to which
the daring valour and discriminating zeal of this
extraordinary little force had certainly given
birth, Alcantara could not be saved. It was can-
nonaded and forced ; and the determined spirit of
the inhabitants, which would have inspired a ge-
nerous enemy with respect, only produced the se-
vere enormity of war.
That what could be done by the British force,
there was done, will be amply seen from the follow-
ing documents. The conduct of the affair is thus
described in the Lisbon Gazette.
Most excellent sir,
I send these few lines to assure you of The bishop of
'' oporto, to col.
the regard and kind memory I owe to you, and ^^^yf- ".* **^^
'-' • ^ ' Loval Lusita-
iiian Legion.
272 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^c?i?P^v!^'* ^^^^^ "^^^^^^ I participate in yours ^and sir R. Wil-
^'-^T^^:;^*^ ^^^^^^ welfare, and admire the defence voii are
June. making on the frontiers of this kingdom, which I
The bishop of
Oporto to col. consider of the greatest advantage; and 1 am ^lad
that you have a part to act in this defence equal to
your valour and honour.
I shall profit of every opportunity in which I
may have it in my power to shew with what high
consideration,
I remain, &c. &;c. &c.
May God preserve your Excellency,
(Signed) O'Bispo do Porto.
u"['"''rA^^''° When the French army, in Estremadura, aban-
battle of Alcan- -^ ' '
iSo/Setle. <^io"^^ t^^6 Guadiana, they attempted to cross the
May 20, 1809.*
* A Gazeta de Lisboa, Sattado, 20 de Maio. — Consta que o Ex-
ercito Francez da Extremadura abandonando o Guadianna setem
dirigidoa passar o Tejoem Alcantara. No dia 14 do corrente foi
esta Pra^a atacada por huma divisao de 10 a 12,000 homenscom-
mandada, ao que se suppoe, pelo marechal Victor em pessoa:
achavo se alii unicamente hum Batalhao da Leal Legiao Lusitana,
e o Regimento de Milicias dc Idanha nova com 6 pe^as e 50
Cavallos do Regimento No, 1 1, tudo comniandado pelo coronel
Mayne da mesma Leal Legiao, nao excedendo ao rodo o numer6
de 1800 homens : estra valerosa guarni9ao, queja tinha dispu-
tado ao Inimigo o terreno em Brossas, a onde se achavao as suas
avan5adas, conseguio embaragar a passagem da ponte por mais
de 6 horas, e retirar-se em presen^a do Inimigo para o Rosma-
Hinhal a pezar da grande superioridade era numero e da Caval-
laria, ainda que com alguma pcrda, trazendo toda a sua Artil-
heria. O aiajor Grant da mesma Legiao mereceo pela sua Con-
ducta nesta acQao os maiorcs Elogios, &c. &c.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 273
Tagus at Alcantara. On the 14th inst. this place ^^„^,^ J.'^*
was attacked by a division of 10 or 12,000 men, ^"^^^Jp*^
commanded by marshal Victor, duke of Belluna, •^"°^-
Account of the
in person ; they were opposed by the LovalLusita- battle of Aican-
" ... ^^^^*
niaii Legion, with six pieces of cannon, the militia
regiment of Idanhia Nova, and fifty horse of the
11th regiment of cavalry : the whole commanded
by colonel Mayne, of the Loyal Lnsitanian Le-
gion, whose force did not exceed 1,800 men.
This valiant commandant and garrison disputed
the passage of the bridge of Alcantara for nine
hours, and then retired in front of the enemy, so
much superior to them, with all their artillery, to
Lodiero.
The fire of the enemy, whose whole force was
engaged, was tremendous beyond conception, al-
though our loss was nothing in comparison with
theirs, which at least amounted to 1,400 men.
Lieut.-colonel Grant, the second in command,
gave the greatest assistance to colonel Mayne, and
these two officers are entitled to the greatest merit
for their bravery and conduct on this trying oc-
casion. The enemy's cavalry followed them until
dusk; but, by their judicious management, the
retreat was efi^ected in the greatest order.
The courage of 1,800 Portuguese, at the battle
of Alcantara, will remain a monument to posterity,
VOL. IV. T
DOOK IV.
CUAT. V.
tara.
S74 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
and does not yield to the greatest actions of our
1809. ancestors.
June.
Account of (he /> . . . . l
battle of Aican- Rctum of killed, wounded, and missing, in the
corps of the Loyal Lusitanian Legion, in the battle
of Alcantara.
Uank and File.
103 killed.— 143 wounded. — 15 missing.
Officers killed.
Captain Vallente.
Lieutenants Jose Louis de Brito.
Frederigo de Freitas.
Officers tvounded.
Lieut.-colonel Grant, slightly.
Captains Jeroninio Pcreira, badly.
Felix Meridoza, ditto.
Joachim de Costa, slightly.
Lieutenant Beltron, badly.
My dear Mayne,
Copy of a letter I havc had no opportunity of answering
(without date)
from sir R. Wii- your letter from Lodiero, or to congratulate you,
son. *'
Grant, and the Legion, on your distinguished
services. *' Hci mihif. quod domino tion lictf ire
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 275
iuo r Thank the officers and soldiers, ; in my ^^^^^ l^'
name, in general orders. The promotion should '^'^J^^!j7^^
be secured to the 1st battalion, and I recommend J""*^-
Copy of a letter
you to forward the names immediately to the ad- from sk r. wii-
sou.
jutant-general.
I shall be at Thomar on the 5 th of June, soon
after which I hope to see you, &c. &c.
Believe me, ever your's,
Most faithfully, &c. &c.
(Signed) R. Wilson.
To colonel Mayne, L.L.L.
commanding at Alcantara.
IMarshal Beresford, conmiander-in-chief of the General order*.
' Marslial Beres-
Prince Regent's troops, takes the opportunity of f^^^^- ^oramand-
noticing to the army the conduct of colonel Mayne, ^^';^^!'2"r^
at the bridge of Alcantara, where the first batta- JJ'a^^J'gog'^
lion of the Loyal Lusitanian Legion defended then>
selves against a force of 12,000 men, commanded
by marshal Victor, in person.
The army will see, that although troops are
sometimes obliged to retreat, at the same time
they may cover themselves with glory, and merit
the greatest praise.
This battalion, and their brave commandant,
made a noble defence, and then a firm retreat, in
-the greatest order.
The disciphne and subordination of the corps
T 3
276 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^c^?p^v^^'' '^"'^ist be good. The individuals of it do not in-
quire why they advance, or why they retreat, but
13©9,
June. ^Q -jg ^i^gy ^,.g ordered ; which gives the greatest
satisfaction to the marshal, who, approving of
their brave conduct, bestows upon them his great-
est praise. — To colonel Mayne, major Grant, and
to the officers and soldiers of the first battalion of
the Loyal Lusitanian Legion, the commander-in-
chief gives his thanks for their conduct at the
bridge of Alcantara, and the marshal requests bri-
gadier-general sir R. Wilson to let him know the
names of the senior officers of each rank, that he
may promote and recommend to the Prince Re-
gent those who so well deserve it.
(Signed) Brito Mozinho,
Adj. -general.
Such was the active, spirited, and judicious con-
duct of a force formed, not merely for the brief
purpose of but only the advanced line of a corps
of observation.
It had, however, still other important merits,
which, through probably without blame in any-
one, are lost in the general sweep of a large army ;
indeed, it embraced all the objects, as far as it
might, of a regular army. The first of these to be
particularised is an eminent success, in inducing de-
serters from the French ranks of the various na-
tions, of which, under all the temporary circum-
UNDER LORD "WELLINGTON. 277
B 0 O K IV.
stances of the continent, the French army was chap. v.
composed. 1809.
- June.,
The means by wliich this was effected, at the General orders.
moment, was principally by a diffusion of the fol-
lowing address, printed in the three languages most
necessary; and also for general purposes in Latin;
and the appointment of persons to second its in-
vitation, and receive deserters. The following is
an English translation.
" Germans, Polonese, Hollanders, Swiss, Italians,
of the French army.
Austria and Turkey are about to declare war
against France ; the tyrant Napoleon must yield
to this storm ! You are destined, without resource-*
to perish in the north, or in Spain ! You have yet
an asylum in our friendship. I^fark the terms : —
Each soldier, who shall come and join the Spa-
nish army, will receive 200 reals.
He who brings his musket with him, 300.
Cavalry willhave the price of their horses'.
Those who will not take arms against the
French will be sent home by sea at ouf expense."
•: The four were printing together.
^j! r. , ' Idioma Espanol, .;*:•;;
"Alemanes, Polacos, Holandeses, Sui2:t)S,' 'Italia-
nOs^jdel ^x^rcito Frances : ; :
La Austria y la Turqula estun ya deelaradas
1809.
June.
General orders.
2^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
CHAP. V. ' contra la Francia : cl infame Napoleon va a scr
destruicio : no os qiieda otra esperanza que la de
morir en Espana 6 en el Norte : si quereis libfaros
de estra suerte, Espana os ofrece partido en 5U35
banderas, y dara. ,:^bj^ grifv/ol
A cada soldado que se pase a ellasr^rj. -.vgOO^rls^
Si se pasa con fusil ..tu<i«ri . 300 iiir,
Al de Caballeria se le pagara ademas el valor del
caballo.
Ai qjLie no quiera servir en nuestras tropas se le
enviara enibarcado a su pais ; 6 al que elija para sa
residencia." - ^
Idioma Latino,
• :*i; German], Poloni, Batavi, Helvetii, Itali, qui in
Gallo, exercltu arma geritis :
Jam Austriaei, et Turci belum contra Gallias in-
dix^re, cxitium tandem crudelissinio Napoleoni
lUaturi. In eo enim loco res sunt vestra?, ut vel
ad ripas Danubii, aut in Hispania pereundum vovis
sit. Ergo una est salus, ad amicitiam Hispaho-
rum animos inducere. Hispanos, amicos vestros,
sequimini ; in Gallos^ immanissimos hostes vestros,
arma convertite. En quse Hispania, iis qui ad
nostra signa transeant, jurejurando promitti :
Cuicumque militi . .• . 200 regalia,
(10 piastres.) • , ^?:}i. . ,
Illi qui secuni arma fera.t , . .-.rs^'.'SGO regalia,
(15 piastres.) , ,.:: ^ j ;, :
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 279
Eques ver6, prceter ea quce pediti promittuntur,
prLEtium equi, si secum tollat, accipiet.
Qui autem iiolint sub nostris signis militare,
immo ad sues, vel alibi terramm pergere cupiant,
eo navi impositi, Hispanorum auxilio reddeiitur."
Idioma Akman.
''Deutsche, Polacke, Hollannder, Schweicer, Ita-
lianer der Fianzosischem arinee.
Oestreich und die Turkey haben Frankreich den
Krieg erklart==Jetzt wird der niedertrachtige Na-
poleon zcrnichtet, Euch bleibt keine andere Wahl,
keine andere Hoffnung, als in Spanien oder in an-
dere fremde Lander den Todt zu treffen wollt Jhr
diesem Schicksale entgehen, so nehmet den spa-
uischen Dienst an, Jeder Soldat der zu der spa-
nischen amiee uberkomme wird belolint mit 200
Real oder 50 Francs.
Bringl finer sein Geuehr mit so erhalt er 300
Real oder 7o Francs.
Dem Cavalleriste wird sein Pferd uberdem ver-
guttet.
Diesenigen welche keini Dienst in Spanien neh-
men woUen, werden eingeschifft und nach Ihrem
Vaterlande, oder nach dem Lande dafs sie mogen,
gefuhrt,"
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V.
1809.
June.
General orders.
280 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. • Tj. T-
,K.HAP. v. Idioma J^rances^
1809. " Allemands, Polonois, Hollandois, Suisses, Ita-
June. ., / -n
Genera! orders, liCHs cie Tarmee Fraii^aisc :
L'Autriche, et la Turquie viennent de declarer
la guerre contre la France : Le tyran Napoleon
doit succomber a cet orage. Vous ^tez destines
sans retour a. perlr vers le Nord, ou en Espagne.
Mais il vous reste encore un asile, c'est celui de
iiotre amiti^ : En voil^ les gages :
Chaque Soldes qui viendr^ prendre parti dans
Tarni^e Espagnole touchera 200 reaux.
Celui qui porterk son fusil avec lui 300 id.
Les Soldats de Cavalerie auront de plus le prix
du cheval.
Ceux qui ne voudront pas prendre les amies
contre les Frani^ais, seront transport's clicz eux
par m^ra nos depenses."
, The form of this address deserves insertion, and
might not be without its use on some other occa-
sion, but tlie arrangements of printing prevent it.^
It is, however, in sidelong columns, with the heads
of which, by wav, perhaps, of asserting pre-emi-
nence, or possibly, by chance, are in the language
of the country in which they were issued.
The still superior merit, however, of the little
force, and more particularly of the 1st battalion of
the Loyal Lusitanian Legion, was that of inducing,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON". 281
by its brave, loyal, and steady, example, that con-
fidence in the capability of Portuguese troops, pro-
perly disciplined, and led by efficient officers ;
without which, under all the circumstances of the
war, those brave bands that afterwards did honour
to their country, would never have been enrolled
in her cause.
For, not to diminish, as, indeed, who would or
could diminish the justly-caused fame of general
Beresford, in various schools of war, — that ex-
cellent and highly. distinguished officer, whom the
injudicious zeal of poetic friendship has described,
as self-devotedly taking npon himself all the ha-
zard of obloquy, xvhich might 'arise from miscar-
riage in the important experiment of training the
Portuguese troops, --^Was enabled to form a perfect
judgment, from the experience thus presented to
to hini, witho'ut which' be would sfcarcely, what-
ever his own noble cWv6tidn to the cause, have
incurred the wii^it oitwwei hnd resources, neces-'
sary to this project.- His excellency woiild also,
unhappily, derive the impdrtlint knowledge of
■Ivhat was chiefly necessary to their efficiency from
the extraordinary failure of baron Eben, who-,'
with the 2d division of the Legion, 1200 strong,
instead of joining and reinforcing the first by
which its honourable principles might have been
increased, marched against marshal Soult, who
B 0 0 K IV.
CHAP. V.
1809.
June.
General orders.
i282 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. y^^^ ^^ j-j-jg }i(^qJ of te?i thousand men, and saw
nearly the whole dispersed and disarmed.
CHAP. V.
1809.
June. 'Jq \)Qt]i marshal Beresford and the officers, from
General orders. , .... in . i /-
whose judicious and gallant . exertions the hrst
Portuguese force owed its well-earned honours,
sufficient had been imparted from the acute labours
of Dumouricr,* more than thirty years before, to
leave little to fear from an army of the Portu-
guese, under officers able to direct and willing to
lead them, without referring to the nmse of Ca-
moens for a picture of his countrymen,
when her bold troops the valiant shepherd led.
And, foul with routs, the Roman Eagles fled if
,,And it was, doubtless, under sufficient impres-
sion from facts, that his majesty's government, as
early as November, 1808, J three months before
the arrival of sir AYilliani Beresford, to take com-
mand, authorised Mr. VilHers, the British mi-
nister, in Portugal, to engage for the pay and
clothing of 10,000 Portuguese troops, of which
the Lusitanian Legion formed a part. And, again,
in February, the month in which his excellency
arrived, the division of the legion, whose services
* See also ante, b. i. c. iii. 407.
i Lusiad, b. iii. as exquisitely translated by Rlickle, vol. iii. 2.
I See mite, h. ii. c. .5. p. 460.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON
BOOK IV.
CHAP. V,
1809.
it has been here attempted to describe, having sup-
ported itself, so that it had left Great Britain
almost inconscious of its existence, (rare indeed !) *^°"'^-
Mr. Canning thus addressed Mr. Villiers again.* cannSg^to'the
right honour-
able John
A^ • -K ^ ^ 1 1/- £».! Charles VillierE.
s nothing has yet been heard from you or the oath February.
progress of any levies in Portugal, nor any bills
drawn by you on that account received here, it
would be premature at present to specify the par-
particular limit to which it is proposed to extend
your authority to furnish pecuniary supplies.
But should the first 10,000 men have been raised,
either at this time or when you transmit the in-
formation, you are not to consider yourself as re-
strained from proceeding, until you shall receive
an answer from me to your communications, but
may engage at once, in the confidence of such
engagement being approved by his majesty, for
defraying the expense of an addition of another
10,000 men. It would, however, be very desi-
rable, that your estimate of the expense should be
transmitted, with as little delay as possible, in
order that parliamentary provision may be made
for so much of it as can be precisely ascertained.
The result seems to have resolved itself into a
more extensive plan, under which a loan was ne-
* Correspondence relative to the maintenance of an army, &c
presented to parliament in 1810.
284 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. gotiated, and general Beresford appointed marshal
^^^^^/^"^^ and conimander-in-chief of the Portuo-uese armies.
1809. _
June. Let the poet, then, ask— (" his eye in a fine
Mr. Canning to , 1 1 • «\
the right hon. phrensy rolhng, )
John Charles
Villiers.
O, who shall grudge him Albuera's bays.
Who brought a race regenerate to the field ;
Rouz'd them to emulate their fathers' praise !
Tempered their headlong rage, their courage steel'd,
And' rais'd fair Lusitania's fallen shield.
And. gave new edge to Lusitania's sword, i.q
And taught their sons forgotten arms to vvield.*
And be it answered, ," Victorious Beresford!"
But' let not that poet, in an historical note, attri-
bute to marshal Beresfoid, (whatever the clamours
of party with which his ears may have been
astounded,) a praise in the e.vposure of his military
reputation, w^hich, as a soldier, he could scarcely
own ; — the brunt of moral dangers, which never
had real existence ; — or the sole merit of a plan
which was not only within the views of govern-
ment, but which sir Robert Wilson had already
put into execution ; and his officers, with colonel
Mayne and lieut.-colonel Grant at their head, de-
monstrated its value.
Amicus Socrates, amicus Plato, sed magis amicus ^''eritas.
* Scott. — Vision of Don Roderijck> ?iiv. p.: .80; .also nofe vi.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 285
CHAP. VI.
ADVANCE OF SIR A. WELLESLEV INTO SPAIN.
IVants of the Army. — Advance to A br antes. — Ap-
proval of these Operations by his Majesty. —
Second Attack of the Enemy at the Bridge of
Alcantara, and antient Inscription upon the
centre Arch. — Instructions to the Van-Guard of
the Army of Generals Campbell and Mackenzie*
— Sir A. JVellesleys Intelligence of the Enemy ;
Colonel G7^anfs ; Mr. Freres. — Intercepted
Despatches, containing Details of the Enemy s
Operations. — Diplomatic Exertions of Sebas-
tiani to ivin over the minor Spanish Generals
from the Patriotic Cause. — Details of the Treaty
of Peace between Great Britain and Spain ^ in
Instructions to the Marquis JFellesley, prepa-
ratory to his Spanish Mission as Ambassador. —
Symptoms of an approaching Battle.
BOOK IV.
CMAP. VI,
SIR ARTHUR WELLESLEY, about to prq-
ceed to the eastern frontier, found not only that is'^^
286 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. ti^g impediments which had attended the return of
CHAP. VI. '
'^**'~v'"**-^ liis army from the nortli of Poituo;al, arose from
1809. '^ ^
June. iiQi being able to get forward the necessaries re-
Advance of sir • 1
A. Weiiesiey quued With SLimcient rapidity, but from the abso-
into Spain.
lute want of them in the capital ; and that an
early supply would not only be necessary, but,
perhaps, indispensable to his progress towards
Spain.
This, however, did not impede the operations of
liis capacious mind. In a letter from Coimbra,
therefore, his excellency is enabled thus to address
lord Castlereagh.
Lieut.-gcnerai I havc the hoHour to iuform vour lordship, that.
Sir Arthur Wel- . . "^ *
lesieytoiord siucc my letter of the 20th instant, the enemy has
viscouut Castle-
reagh w ithdrawn the corps which had taken possession of
Coimbra, 31st
May, 1809. Alcautava on the 14th, and his army is concen-
trated in the neighbourhood of Caceres, between
the J aqua and the Guadiana. The Spanish army,
under general Cuesta, had advanced from its pos-
session at Llerena, upon receiving accounts of the
enemy's march from the Guadiana, and the ad-
vanced guard had attacked a fortified post which
the enemy still held at Merida. But, by a letter
from general Cuesta of the 20th instant, I find
that he had discontinued the attack, owing to the
difficulty of supporting it, in consequence of the
•welling of the Guadiana. His head-quarters were,
by the last accounts, at Fuente del Mistre.
UNDER LOED WELLINGTON. 287
General Mackenzie is in the mountains, behind ^^oj^ iv.
CHAP. VI.
Castello Branco; and he had been directed again ^^^^
to occupy Alcantara in such force as to be able •^""^•
' "• Sir Arthur Wei-
to secure that passage over the Tagus. Jesky to lord
^ ^ ° Cnstlereagh.
The army is in march towards this place : the
leading brigades liave already arrived here, and I
expect the whole in the course of a few days.
The march has been delayed in some degree, in
consequence of the badness of the weather, and
the general want of shoes by the troops; it having
been impossible to bring up from Lisbon a suffi-
cient supply before this time.
The arrangements, however, are all made for the
early movement of the troops to the Tagus ; and
they will begin their march on the day after to-
morrow.
I have, &c.
(Signed) Arthur Welles ley.
This letter, at the same time, was accompanied
with a request that directions might be given for a
supply of 30,000 pair of shoes, for the use of the
British troops, to be sent to Lisbon at an early pe-
riod. It was also desirable (he added) that the
storekeeper should give directions that these shoes
should be of the best quahty. It is to be regretted
that such directions should be neoessarv. Sir Ar-
288 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK TV.
CHAP. VI.
thur Wellesle}^ also begged lord Castlereagh to
order, that 1,500,000 pounds of biscuits should be
sent to Lisbon, for the use of the army, and
1809.
June.
Advance of the
British army 3,000,000 Dounds of hav, and 3,000,000 pounds
into Spain.
of oats. To this sir Arthur added : —
Ihat, from every information he had received of
the probable supply of money for bills upon Eng-
land, it was his opinion that a sum, amounting to
tiot less than 300,000 pounds sterhng, ought to be
sent to Lisbon at an early period.
Necessities of This did not, howcvcr, impair the zeal of the
the army on its _
return from the army in its DvooTess. and sir A. AVellesley, in re-
soutli of Portu- - I O > .
gal. capitulating the circumstances which have been
latterly detailed, was enabled to add the arrival of
his van in Spain.
My lord,
Sir Arthur Wei- Sincc I wrotc last, marshal Victor has
Casilereafih. brokcn uD in the neiohbourhood of Caceres,* has
Thomar, 7th ^ ^ rr- - -n ' i t
June, 1809. removcd his head-quarters to Trmsillo, and, as 1
understand, passed a division of his army over the
Tagus by the bridge of Alcantara. It is probable
that the whole are about to retreat.
A part of the army of general Cuesta's was, by
the last accounts of the third inst. on the Gua-
* Of this movement hitlmaiion was given in the last chapter
through a report of colonel Grant* ' '-^^^ ■^'•d'*
UNi)ER LORD WELLINGTON. 289
diana, near Medellin, and one division near Me- i^ooKiv.
CHAP. VI.
rida; the whole are, I understand, advancinsf to^ V-^^/^w^
' ' ^ 1809,
wards that river. J^^e.
. - , , , sir ArlhnrWel-
A part 01 the troops, under my command, have lesiey to lord
Castlereagh
arrived upon tlie Tagus, at Abrantes, and the re-
maining four brigades are following them.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) Arthur Wellesley.
In tlie mean time the corps, under general
Mackenzie, forming the advance, colonel Mayne,
with a reinforcement to his legion, was appointed
by him to command the van of the allied army*
moving into Spain.
• Colonel Mayne was thus gratified ih a wish he had expressed
in his despatch to marshal Beresford, dated Lodiero, May 14th.
— " With respect to the Portuguese corps under my command, I
have only to wish that their gallant conduct may prove them
worthy of being joined to a British army.*'
As this is nearly the last time in which mention will be made
of this able officer, it will render a justice to him in this place>
to introduce a document still more important, as evincing shortly
the means by which every other people, as well as the Portu-
guese, may be rendered efficient troops.
It is an address which colonel Mayne received from the officers
of the Loyal Lusitanian Legion.
" The officers of the Loyal Lusitanian Legion, who have had the
honour of serving under the command of the illustrious colonel
Mayne, in gratitude for the distinguished and reiterated marks of
honourable praise which they have received under his orders,
and, for the KIND BENFvoLtNCE which he has always eq.uah.v
VOL. IV, t;
BOOK TV.
CHAP. VI.
1309.
Ju;ie.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGALj
" I then returned," says that officer, with a lau-
dable exultation, " to the post of Alcantara,''
EXTENDED to the officer and to tlie soldier, beg leave to request
that he will receive a small testiraony of their sincere regard,
which, although unxsorthy of /lis merit, they hope he will con-
sider as appropriate to the occasion.
A sword, with the following inscription : — " Todos os officides
do {" batalho da Leal Legiao Lusitana a ofFcrecem ao seu estimado
amigo o illustrlssimo Senhor coroncl William Maj/ne, cavaliicro de
Alcantara-
" Presented by all the officers of the first battalion of the Loyal
Lusitanian Legion, to their esteemed friend, colonel William
Mayne, knight of the military order of Alcantara."
(Signed)
Joao Paes de Sande de Castro/ tenente cofonel.
Duclesiano Cabreira, major commandante d'artilheria.
Filippe Jacob Veloso Horta, capitao Mandante.
Jose Pinto Sa Vedra e Nevile, capitao.
Francisco de Paula Rozado, capitao.
Joa Pinto da Orunha Sa Vedra, capitao.
Joaquim Elias da Costa e Almeida, capitao-ajutante.
Francisco Joaquim Pereira Valente, capitao.
Thomaz Joaquim Pereira Valente, capitao.
Pedro Celestino de Barros, capitao.
Jose Estanislao d'AImeida Rolin, capitao quartel-mestre.
Carlos Jose Francozi, tenente.
Joaquim Pinto e Souza, tenente.
Antonio Carlos Pereira da Silva, tenente.
Federico Cezar de Freitas, tenente.
Jorge da J'onscca, tenente.
Andre Camacho Jorge Barboza, tenente.
Jose Bernardino de Sou Castro, tenente.
Jose Cazimiro Pereira da Rocha, alferes.
Jose Ribeiro Piiito de Moura, alferes.
Joao Jos6 Gomes da Silva, capitao.
\
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON". 291
(that unfortunate town which the French, in their ^°„^J^,.^J'
last visit, had rendered a scene of desolation,) — ^""""^C**^
1 809.
" the force as per margni, being under my com- J""^-
* The Legion
mand."* Artillery, sis
guns.
The enemy at this time occupied all the villages First battalion
^ _ ^^ _ « Loyal Lusita-
in its vicinity, and patroled within live miles of the nian Legion.
•^ * ^ Fifth Regiment
town ' °^ Cassadores.
Second Regi-
On the mornino- of the 10th of June, continues I!?f"l,°f*^P°;;*°-
^ ' The CovilhaO
col. Mayne, we were again attacked by four columns ^iiitia.
'I ' O J One troop oi
of infantry, three squadrons of horse, and four fg^r^'^po^tu^^
pieces of artillery ! The cannonading continued I'Jt^^^horce
on both sides a short time, when, in obedience to jAim^da'ca"^
valry) Portu-
guese.
Brigada de Artilheria.
Manoel Jose Ribeiro, l°tenente.
Cento Marques, 2j tenente.
Thom6 Madeira, 2° tenente.
Joao Manoel d'Almeida, alferes.
Colonel Mayne s Answer to the Address of the Officers of the Loyal
Lusitanian Legion.
Nothing can be more flattering to the feelings of a soldier
than the approbation of brave men ! And the distinguished mark
I have just received of yours is as highly gratifying to me as the
satisfaction I shall always feel in reflecting that I have served
two campaigns in Spain and Portugal with you and the brave
soldiers of the Loyal Lusitanian Legion,
(Signed) WittHM Mayne
TT 2
^iJ^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^rZ^^v^u' ^^^ orders I had received from marshal Beres-
"^^T"*^ ford,* I blew up the centre arch of the bridge
June. Qf Alcantara ; " the last act of Trajan's grandeur,
and the only one remaining, in that part of
Spain !"
The melancholy tone of classic simplicity in
this description, is highly complimentary to the
military feelings of the writer, and confirms
an opinion of him already given in a preceding
book.
There is something like sacrilege in the idea of
destroying the august remains of antiquity. Col.
Mayne seems evidently to have felt this ; he gives
the order, and the confirmed order, of his supe-
riors, for this necessary operation of war; and
then, M'ith pious care, as his only atonement, pre-
serves the inscriptions on the grand arch of the
bridge.
'^ General Beresford, from Coimbra, May 25th, J 809.
You will cause an arch of the bridge on the northern side, (or
two, if that be requisite to render it impassable,) «to be imme-
diately destroyed.
General Mackenzie, J'romSobiera Fomoza, May 21 th, 1809.
You will sen that the steps you are taking for the destruction of
the bridge at Alcantara are quite m unison with marshal Beres-
lord's instructions.
The four centre arches of the bridge are eighty feet wide.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 2^^
IMP:NERVAE:TRAIANO:CAES:AVGVSTO:
GERMANICO:DACICO:SACRVM:
TEMPLVM:IN:RVP:TAGI:SVPERIS:ET:
CAESARE:PLENVM:ARS;VBI:MATERIA:
VINC1TVR:IPSA:SVA:QV1S:QVALI:
DEDERIT:VOTO:FORTASE:REQVlRET:
CVRA:VIATORVM:QVOS:NOV^AM:
IVVAT:INGENTEM:VASTA:PONTEM:QVI:
MOLE:PEREGIT:SACRA:UTATVOR:
FECIT:HONORE:LACER:QVlT
PONTEM:FECIT:LACER:ET:NOVA:
TEMPLA:DICAVIT:SCILLTCET:ET:
SVPFRIS:MVNERA:SOLA:LITANT:
PONTEM:PERPETVI:MANSVRVM:IN:
SECVLA:MVND1:FECIT:D1VINA:N0VILIS:
ARTE:LACER:IDEM:ROMVIJES:
TEMPLVM:CVM:CAES:DIVIS:
CONSTlTVIT:F(ELIX:VTRAQVE:CAVSA.
SACRI:C:IVLIVS:LACER:H:S:F:ET:
DEDICAVIT:AMICO:CVRIO:LACONE
IGAEDITANO.
With the view of inducing a similar principle in
others, a principle so opposite to the conduct of
the enemy in this war, notwithstanding its preva-
IMP:CAESARI:DIVI:NERVAE:F:NERVAE: ^,^f,^,^,^"-
TRAIAN0:AVG:GERM:DAC1C0:P0NTIF: ''^^
MAX:TRIB:POTES:Vm:IMP:V:COS:V: P.P: '^""^-
294 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
lent aiFectation of regard for antiquity, the foUow-
ing hasty attempt towards a paraphrastical trans-
June. lation is added : —
It imports perhaps that the whole is, —
Sacred to the Imperial Cassars : — Nerva ; and the
son of Nerva, Trajan, (conquerer of the Germans
and Dacians,* high priest, by the Tribunitian
power, eight times,) his colleague in the consulate,
— the most perfect administrator of public affairs.
That,—
To the emperor Nerva Trajan, the august Caesar,
conquerer of the Germans and Dacians, is conse-
crated an edifice, formed to connect the steep
banks of Tagus ; the design of which was first de-
rived from his judgment, its materials from the
over-hanging groves : which, whether from himself
having suffered hazard here, he vowed ; or that,
lest, travellers, who were always his care, might
stand in need of it; — whatever the origin, — pro-
digious was its beauty and utility : but, by the
wide-extending waste of waters the newly-formed
bridge was consumed. As a remedy, piers were
formed, with holy rites, and of great estimation ;
and again destroyed ! Which bridge, so erected,
and thus destroyed, as well as new temples
* A warlike people inhabiting the modern Transylvania, Mol-
davia, and Wallachia : —suppose, Turks, Poles, and Hungarians.
Ilereliberty issaid tohavemade her last stand against the Roman power.
LifeofFrontinus, (prefixed to Strategem^ticon, Engl.ed. 181 1.)61.
UNDER LORD WELLIKGTONv ^9^
dedicated on it, were indubitably at his own ^^^^^^^^J^
proper charge. Thence, after appeasing the gods ^^^TeoT**^
by sacrifice, arose this bridge, whicli, from new ■'""^
accessions of science, may be presaged as perma-
nent to the last ages of the world ! So were
shattered the temples of Romulus, also reared
from the groves,— piles, sacred to holy rites and
utility. To all these matters, it only remains
shortly to add, that, in the calends of the pecu-
liarly-honoured month of July, the dilapidations
were restored, and the re-edification dedicated
by the faithful governor of Cadiz.*
Our shells, continues colonel Mayne, did this
day some execution from the heights, dispersing
two columns of infantry, and one of cavalry !
when they were advancing on the town ! But
they discovered the destruction of the bridge ! and
they retired by the road of Brosas — never again
taking a regular position more ! What their ob-
ject could be was not precisely known, beyond a
surprise, and taking the bridge by a coup-de-main.
I computed their numbers to be about 6000. Aftex
this the French withdrew, and I gave it as my
opinion, in a letter to general jM'Kenzie, that they
were moving for the bridge of Almaraz, and fo^-
the corn-country about Talaveira de la Reyna.
• It may be added that the truly-divine Trajan, was, lilte Seneca,
a native of Andalusia. (The writer has in vain hoped to obtain
from his classical friends ariose translation,")
29^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^^u^^vu' "T^^^t this result was apparently but little to Ic
^""^^^S^**^ expected, will be seen from the following orders :
Juac. Q.
G«n. Campbell '
tocoi. Mayne. J conccive bv vour communication vou
CastellolJranco, J J «/
May25, 1309, ^^g jjq^^ fallinsr back upon Castello Branco; and
5 0 ciocH.p.m. o I '
without you receive further orders, in the event of
this brigade being ordered to retire from hence,
you will push for Moradal with the two battalions
under your orders. On your arrival here you will
receive further instructions. You will of course
advance officers mounted, and on whom you can
rely, in every direction, for information.
The enemy may be advancing hither towards
Ciudad Rodrigo, or may have in view the destruc-
tion of the bridge ; it is very requisite you have all
your faculties awake, and forward to me, en ronte^
for general M'Kenzie, the earliest possible intelli-
gence. Your most humble servant,
W. Campbell, Brig. -general.
J shall depend much upon you for information.
The same will be perceived from the following
subseouent communication of the excellent major-
general M'Kenzie. Sir Robert Wilson had now
rejoined the legion, which was to be regularly at-
tached to the army.
Gen. M'Kenzie Pcar sir Robcrt,
to sir R.Wilson. ^ ^i . , r. i •i.'U
SobrieraFor- I am this moment favoured with your
28(S! ""^ ' second letter of yesterday. — It seems evident the
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 297
French are crossing the Tagus in different places, bookiv.
Cf O I CHAP. VI.
from the accounts forwarded by colonel IVIayne: ^—^"V'^-^
•^ ' 1809.
and although I am of the same opinion with you •^"»^-
. • r» 1 1 Gen.M'Kenaia
that the object is the destruction of the harvest, tosirR.Wiiwa.
yet, the destruction of our party at Alcantara may
be connected with that object ; and, as that post
is so bad a one, I think the troops should be with-
drawn to a place where themselves and guns are
not risked. As to Zara, I am quite unacquainted
with it, but from your description ; but I would at
present prefer a situation not so far in advance,
until we can have the instructions of the comman-
der-in-chief: a small post left in Alcantara will be
sufficient till then. I think, also, it will be right for
you to advance with the battalions, at least to sup-
port colonel Mayne, whose force seems to be much
reduced by desertion. Ladoviro seems to be the
position you think best for this purpose, and it
appears to me to be so ; but you will of course fix
where you will give the best support to the posidon
of colonel Mayne if you do not join him. As
marshal Beresford will, I hope, be at Castello
Branco to day, you will, of course, receive further
instructions from him.
I have no more time than to add that I always
remain, dear sir Robert,
Most sincerely yours,
J. R. Mackenzie.*
* In the ensuing action the writer lost his life.
298 CAMPAIGNS IX SPAIX AND FOllTUGAL,
^fn^P^v!.^' ^' ^' P''^y ^^^^^ ^^^^ S^^^^ a"<^^ 88 di regiments
^■^•Tv-^^ vet arrived ? The 1st draojoons of the Kiiis's German
June. legion whicli ought to ha\ e been on the 15th at
Gen. M'Kenzie ,-, . ,
to «r R.Wilson. Corticada, (by their route,) are not yet arrived
there. Two brio-ades of Portug-uese artillery are now
passing this place for Castello Branco, under major
Dickson of the British artillery, in which last
service he is a captain. I have sent a party, of a
Serjeant and two men, of the 31st regiment, with
two of the 4th Portuguese regiment, to escort four
prisoners of the 87th and 88th regiments to Cas-
tello Branco. — Pray order back this party as soon
as they have delivered over the prisoners.
J. R. M.
2d P. S. Pray send two more dragoons to keep
up the communication to Monte Corvo ; the two
there are completely knocked up. Be so good as
forward the enclosed letters for captain Ruman and
lieutenant Stanway.
Abrantes soon became a scene of activity in re-
spect to observation, as will appear from the com-
munications of the commander-in-chief.
My lord,
Sif/tll^'^' I liave the honour to acknowledge the
relgh"^ ^*^'''" receipt of your despatch of the 25th instant, in
Jone"i809.^' which your lordship conveys to me, by his majesty's
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON-. 2^9
oommand, an autboritv to extend my operations in book iv.
' '' ^ I CHAP. VI.
Spain beyond the provinces immediately adjacent v-^-^^-^i^
to the Portuguese frontiers. It does not appear to Ju'ic.
, . . , I 1 IT- -I -1 iJir Arthur Wel-
be quite certam that marshal Victor has retired, or lesiey to lord
, , . , . Castlereagh.
has made any preparatory arrangements with a view
to withdraw from the province of Estremadura;
and the accounts which we receive, of his move-
ments are so contradictory, that I am not enabled
to give your lordship any positive opinion upon the
subject, or any satisfactory statement of facts which
might enable you to form your own.
Upon my arrival at Coimbra, at the end of last
month, I despatched lieutenant-colonel Burke and
lieutenant-colonel Cadogan to general Cuesta's
head-quarters, with a view to arrange with him a
plan of operations for the British and Spanish
armies, with a view to attack Victor, and oblige
him to retire from the menacing position which he
had assumed in relation to the seat of government
of Portugal and Spain. 1 propose now to extend
the objects of their co-operation, general Cuesta
having expressed himself but little satisfied with
the limits which I had assigned to it ; but I fear
that I must delay to make any movement what-
ever till the army shall receive a supply of money.
I have the honour to be, &c.
Arthur Wellesley.
Notwithstanding the important deficiency of
June, 1809.
^00 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
money, however, the intelligence of the comman-
der-in-chief thus continues :
looy,
iTrdlis^auM'* ^ ^^^'^ received information that the
Abrlntes/Jrth ^rench withdrew on the 13th instant; the posts
which they had in tlie conventical at Muida, and
their out-posts in front of Medillen ; and there is
every reason to beheve that their whole army is
retiring across the Tagus and towards Madrid.
The Spanish troops under general Cuesta took
possession of Merida, and crossed the Guadiana at
Medellin on the 14th. I have had no intelligence
from the Spanish head- quarters since the 14th.
I have had a discussion with general Cuesta re-
specting the plan of operations to be carried on by
the British and the Spanish armies in the attack of
marshal Victor. We have every reason to believe
that the French army consisted of about 27,000
men, and that the defeat and retreat of Soult had
deprived Victor of all support; and the Spanish
army consisted of 30,000, of which 7,000 were
cavalry ; and the combined British and Portuguese
force, which I was in hopes I should have been
able to march upon this expedition, would have
amounted to about 24,000 men, of which near
4,000 would have been cavalry.
The only practicable retreat for the French army
was the bridge of Almaraz ; and my proposition to
general Cuesta was, that he should remain with
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON: 301
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
the Spanish army in a position in which, if attacked,
he would have the advantage ; such a one as tliat ^^^^
by whicli he had kept in check the French army J""^-
. ^ *^ Sir Arthur Wel-
30 long, until I should move by Castello Branco lesiej to lord
Castlereagh.
and Placentia to Almaraz, and cut off the only
practicable retreat the French had to Madrid.
It appears by the correspondence of lieutenant-
colonel Burke, that general Cuesta had by no means
a good position on the Guadiana; and the colonel
expresses in strong terms his apprehensions of
those of general O'Donaghues, that if the Spanish
army should be attacked in that position, it would
be defeated. At the same time, general Cuesta
could not be prevailed upon to draw further back
towards the Sierra Morena, although it was ob-
vious that the consequence of any movement
which should place the Spanish army in security
while I should move round the enem}^ would be
most probable to cut off their retreat ; and he
pressed me in the most earnest terms to join the
British army to that under his command upon the
Guadiana.
Finding it impossible to induce general Cuesta
to move his position, and that serious apprehensions
were entertained for his safety, I consented to
forego the execution of the plan which I preferred,
and I promised to march to Badajos, as soon as I
should be able to move, bv the arrival of monev
302 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. from Cadiz or from Ensland, and as the army had a
CHAP. V O ' ^
^"■"^"^z'^'*^ few davs to rest, and had receiv'ed a supply of shoes.
1809. ^ ' * "^
June. jji j;|jg niean time the French army having re-
Sir Arthur Wel- ,. , 111 1 • p i • t c 1
lesiey to lord tired, probaoly upon hearing or the arrival or these
Castlereagh,
corps up(m the Tagus, I propose to continue on
the right bank of the river, and to move towards
Placentia.
The money expected from Cadiz arrived at Lis-
bon the day before yesterday ; and I propose to
commence my march as soon as it shall reach the
army.
I have the honour to be, &c.
Arthur Wellesley.
P. S. Since writing the above, I have received
letters from general Cuesta and lieutenant-colonel
Burke, of the l6th instant. The general was to
move his head-quarters to Merida on this day.
His advanced-guard is in Alcuescar and Albala.
General Cuesta now wishes me to march by Pla-
centia.
In the midst of this active vigilance, nothing
could be more agreeable than the following tes-
timony : —
Sir,
Your despatches of 15th, 1 8th, and 20th
May, have been received and laid before the king.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 303
B 0 O K IV.
CHAP. VI.
His majesty has been pleased to express his gracious
approbation of the whole of your conduct, during
the late arduous service in which you have been •^"'i^-
Lord viscount
en2:a2:ed. The rapidity of your movements to the Castiereagh to
^ ^ / J J sir Arthur Wel-
northward, if not attended with the complete re- lesiey, k.b
Downing-street,
duction of Soult's corps, has, it is to be presumed, June6,i809.
for a length of time, disqualified the remains of his
army from acting offensively against Portugal, and
left you at liberty to prosecute operations against
Victor.
The decision and skill with which the British
army has been led, and the animated bravery dis-
played by the officers and troops in the passage of
the Douro, cannot fail to confirm the confidence
which they are entitled to feel in their own supe-
riority over the enemy, and to prepare the way to
future successes. The result of the present ope-
ration, under the relative circumstances of the two
armies, has in no respect fallen short of what might
have been expected from the talents of the general
and the gallantry of the troops.
Your determination not to follow Soult*s army
further to the northward, but to return towards
the eastern frontier of Portugal, to watch and r€-
pel the enemy's advance on the Tagus has been
entirely approved by his majesty..
I have the honour to be, &c.
Castlereagh.
■ *^^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
1809.
June.
From the post of the active and intelligent col.
Grant, was added the following intelligence; as
usual, acute and discriminating, but with particular
interest, as relates to a small party of the allies:
My dear sir,
fof.M""ne° I inclose you three letters, which will ex-
fZlfim.^'^ plain themselves. The enemy have not entered
Placentia, but have recrossed the Tietar.
The battalion of Madrid volunteers have behaved
most disgracefully,— retiring on hearing of the ap-
proach of the enemy on Placentia, Gaustea, and
Corea, where they now are.
They never saw the enemy, although 1,000
strong, — the French column not exceeding 400
men, including some cavalry.
The volunteers of Beyo acted differently : 300 of
them repulsed the enemy betwixt Placentia and
Malpartido, on which the latter retired.
I intercepted a letter from a lieutanant comman-
ding some cavalry that were annexed to the Madrid
battalion, stating to the junta of Badajos the num-
ber of the enemy at near 5,000 men. He had made
his escape to my post, and rather alarmed my Al-
meidans, but at the same time my patroles came in
from Corea and Toneconalla, three leagues to my
front and left flank, with accounts of a very dif-
ferent complexion.
il^l
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 305
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
General Guesta is assuredly in possession of Al-
marez, and on the 21st instant a reconnoitring ^^^^
party of his cavalry, 46, crossed the Tagus at Sere- •^""'^•
Col. Grant to
dilla, and marched on towards Placentia and Mai- coi. Mayne.
partilla*- : '
A wounded soldier of Cuesta's army, now in
Toneconalla, states, that the latter had attacked
the enemy at Almarez, heen successful, taken many
prisoners; som.e cannon and baggage, with a con-
siderable number killed on the part of the enemy.
This latter circumstance I do not give as certain.
In a few hours rhy patrole from Toneconalla will
bring me information from Placentia, respecting
any further movements of the enemy and Cuesta.
I shall probably march to-day to Coria, which
will coincide with your directions in respect to the
line of the Allegon.
May T request you will state to sir Robert, or
some general-officer, that, fi-om the dispersion of
this Madrid battalion, they have given general
alarm, and that it is difficult to ascertain .by letter
the correct position of the enemy, or their imme-
diate movements, and request permission for me,
with only four well-mounted dragoons, to move on to
Placentia Malpartido, and reconnoitre the Tietar,
by which means I could gain information to be de-
■ Hi'/ ,'1. :• iij' ) iiyn^,.
.' Qf mtii
306
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV
CHAP. VI.
pended on, my party remaining at Coria with the
1809. ^'^^^g"-
J"°«' I have the honour to be,
Dear sir, sincerely yours,
J. Grant, Lieut.-col.
The defection and weakness attributable to the
volunteers of Madrid, and the cavalry which ac-
companied them, need not, by any means, excite
surprise. It is not the first efforts of the volunteers
of a capital from which much is to be expected, but
those of the sturdy peasant and hardy mountaineer.
Nor are colonel Grant's remarks to be attributed
to surprise, but to his natural feelings on the em-
barrassing result.
We turn now to information from another quar-
ter, in the communications of Mr. Frere to the
government at home.
Right honour- The letter, (says that minister,) which I receive
to Mr. secretary ^t this momcut ft'om slr Arthur Wellesley, informs
SeTiiie" June 16, i^c of his intcntiou of joining general Cuesta, and
relinquishing the plan which he had formed for
cutting off the enemy's retreat, by a movement
upon Placentia, on the right bank of the Tagus.
This determination is founded partly on the impor-
tunities of general Cuesta, and partly upon the
utter impossibility of prevailing upon him to chuse
. UKDER LORD WELLINGTON. S(^y
d secure position, or to concentre his army, which, book iv.
^ ' " CBAP. VI.
in its present distribution, and in the open country
which it occupies, would infallibly be beaten if at-
tacked by the concentrated forces of the enemy :
an event which, under the present circumstances,
sir Arthur Wellesley is very apprehensive may take
place, even before his junction can be effected.
And he thus continues ;
Since the date of my last, the French have FreretoMr.Se
successfully evacuated all the pomts on this side of mug.
•^ . , 1 • 1 Seville. June26.
the Tagus, without loss on their side, and without 1809
any effectual attempt to annoy them on the part of
general Cuesta. By his report of this day, it ap-
pears, that he was preparing to pass his vanguard
over the river at Almaraz, and had already sent
over a party of sharp-shooters to protect the es-
tablishment of the bridge of pontoons, the whole
of which had not yet arrived from Badajos. As far
as can be collected from a variety of concurrent
reports, it should seem that the French are in de-
cided retreat, and no other cause can be assigned
for their neglecting the many opportunities they
have had of turning upon general Cuesta's van-
guard, which has been frequently advanced be-
yond the main body, at a distance which made it
impossible for them to receive any ejQfectual support
from it This circumstance relieves me in some
x2
308 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK^iv. degree, from the opinion expressed by military
men, that the French may take advantage of the
divided state of the army, before the passage of
the river is entirely accomplished.
The same indefatigable minister supphes infor-
mation, of the most important nature, on the 10th
of the following month.
Right.hon.j.H. From two most curious despatches which have
i'rere to Mr. ^ ^
secretarj Can- bccn intercepted from marshal Soult, it appears
nirig. ' ' '
Seville, juiyio, tj^^t he effected his retreat from Gallicia, arrivina;
1809. ' ^
on the 24th at the Cuebla de Sanabria. His letters,
which, are directed to king Joseph, contain a detail
of his proceedings since the 2d, and of the whole
of his retreat through Monforte, Montefurado,
Bello. and Viana. This retreat was proceeded by
an attempt to crush the marquis of Romana's force
by an operation combined with marshal Ney; but
it appears to have been defeated by the check
which the latter received at Puerto de San Cayo,
and which determined him to fall back upon San-
tiago.
The two generals appear to have been upon very
bad' terms, marshal Soult thought that the situation
of his army, in consequence of the retreat from
Oporto, was such as made it impossible to remain
in Qalicia, where there were no means of provi-
ding them the necessary equipments ; and, in ad-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 309
ditiou to this, he had anotlier powerful motive, ^^^f^^yj^^'
from the knowledge of sir A. Wellesley's march to '^— "^v-**-^
the southward, to attack general Victor; and he J""^-
Mr. Frere to
plainly insinuates that marshal Ney failed in the Mr. Canning.
co-operation intended to have been directed against
Orense, with the intention of obliging him, marshal
Soult, to remain in Galicia. Marshal Ney, on his
side, has not admitted thejustness of the calculation,
according to which marshal Soult concluded, that
it would be possible for him to maintain himself
alone in Galicia. Soult's letter, though very cau-
tiously worded, plainly indicates the disgust of a
part of his army at the species of war which they
had to carry on, and their weariness of the atro-
cities which they have been committing, and
which have been followed, in some instances, by a
terrible retaliation.
Marshal Barios, who arrived yesterday from that
province, and whose letter, respecting the destruc-
tion of the road from Villa Franco to Lugo, I be-
fore transmitted, told me, this morning, that, after
repeated ineffectual remonstrances with general
Ney, whom he describes, contrary to general opi-
nion, as the more atrocious of the two, he himself
gave orders for the throwing 700 French prisoners
into the Minho, which was accordingly done.
Marshal Soult gives a very accurate idea of his
own character, and that of the person whom he ad-
310 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTtrGAL>
^?H?^vi^' Presses at the end of his shorter letter ; and ex-
^^^"^^C^^ presses, at the same time, the difficulty of finding
June. instruments capable of executins; their designs.
Mr. Frere to ^ * , ^ ° .
Mr. Canning. " Car dans le genie de guerre que nous faisons,
et avec I'espece d'ennemi quil y a combattre, il im-
porte beaucoup au succes des operations, que les
chefs que sont a la t^te des troupes soient non
seulement impassibles, mais quils aient une force
d'arme que le mettre en toute circonstance au-
dessus des ev^nements m^me les pleus facheurs.
" J'ai rhonneur de prier V. M. qui elle m^me en
est persuad^e de daigner prendre en consideration
le conseil que je me permets de lui faire, et qu'un
z^le ardent pour le service de I'empereur en in-
spire."*
General Franceschi, whom he mentions as the
bearer of the letter, and as charged to communi-
cate upon the subject of the several changes to be
made in the army upon this principle, was made
prisoner by a party of peasants, headed by a
priest, and would have been put to death but for
the idea that he might serve as a ransom for gene-
ral Palafox. It is satisfactory to observe, from
this correspondence, that the general, who has
* This is a remark to be found in several instances in the in-
tercepted despatches of the French army, and they are painful
illustrations every where.
UNDEU LORD WELLINGTON. 311
been opposed to the marquis of Romana, does not
appear by any means to entertain that opinion of
him which has been current here ; and M. Barrios,
Mr. Frere to
whom I have mentioned above, describes him m Mr. Canning
as good health and spirits, and acting with vi-
gour.
It appears that marshal Ney left Corunna on the
22d, and had entirely evacuated the whole of the
province on the 28 th, the date of the marquis's last
letter. The retreat was marked by atrocities,
which he seems unwilling to dwell upon : the state
of the country is, I am told, exactly as he des-
cribes it, the people being previously enraged
against all those who are suspected of having fa-
voured the French, or who have even remained
passive.
As the devastations which have been committed
have, in many instances, deprived the peasants of
the means of paying what is due to the proprie-
tors and to the church, a general spirit of resist-
ance to all claims of this kind, has begun to shew
itself.
I should hope that the Gallician army would be
able to establish itself in Astorga, as soon as it is
provided with the articles which marquis Romana
mentions as wanting, and which may, perhaps, be
more expeditiously forwarded from England. It ap-
pears that marshal Soult has already made the first
12 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV,
CHAP. VI.
1809.
June.
movement upon Braganza, which is indicated in
his letter to Joseph Buonaparte.
This government are desirous of withdrawing
from Ferrol the ships which are there, and bringing
them down to Cadiz, in order to prevent the pos-
sibility of their falhng a second time into the hands
of the enemy, and have desired me to request the
assistance of his majesty's government for that
purpose ; and, accordingly, though I trust there is
no immediate apprehension of such an event, I
shall write to admiral Berkeley, by this opportu-
nity, to that effect.
Intercepted The intercepted despatch is, of itself, altogether,
despatch ot ' '■
marshal Souit, indccd, a most curious, eccentric, and important,
duke of Dal- > > ^ »
raatia.addressed doCUmeUt.
to his majesty,
the king of |j- exhibits the counter description of the opera-
>paiu and the r i
fiidies. tions which are the subject of the last chapter. It
shews also the exquisite nicety of the French com-
manders with respect to certain individuals under
them; it shews, moreover, that that "army, con-
stituted like the French," can be so fallible as not
merely to entertain cowards, but to advance them
to the command even of brigades.
Sire,
I have the honour to inform your ma-
jesty, that the second corps of the army is collected
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 313
since last nio-ht at Puebla de Sanabaia, where I in- book iv.
J^ ' CHAP. VI.
tend allowing the troops four or five days rest, in ^^"^"^^"^"'^
order to give them time to prepare necessaries for J"ne-
. Intercepted
four days, and then I will order them agamst Za- despatch of
marshal SouU.
mora.
On the 2d inst. as I had the honour to announce
to your majesty, in my letter of the 30th of May,
I went from Lugo to Montforte, where the divi-
sions arrived on the 4th and 5th. Romana's corps
had passed by there two days before, on its way to
Orenses. With all the haste I could make, I could
Hot conie up with his rear, which had passed the
Sil at various points, and had destroyed the boats ;
when the detachments, which I had despatched,
arrived at St. Estevan de Gudin, Pacedella, and
Taiber, all the inhabitants about Montforte had
left their houses. I continued in my position till
the 11th, during which time several demonstra-
tions were made to pass the river. I gave notice
that I should march to Orenso, for which the ne-
cessary preparations were made. I was supplied
with six pieces of mountain artillery, ammunition,
shoes, and a marching battalion, consisting of
troops that I had left at Lugo. I have, besides,
lefc at Lugo 947 sick, or unfit for duty, under the
orders of adjutant-general Des Roches, who is to
conduct them to Zamora as soon as they are re-
covered.
On tlie lith I set out for the Val de Orres. ■
314 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. 'pj^g oreneral of division, Loison, havina*, under his
CHAP. VI. O ' ' O'
^-^''v-'^^ orders, the division of General Miollis, and the
1809. '
June. brigade of dragoons, commanded by general Lorge,
Intercepted
despatch of mct the insiirgents, to the number of 2 or 3000, at
ojdishal Soult.
the entrance of the Val de Unirago, and vigorously-
pursued them as far as Montefurado, where he
found them again on the path across the rock,
through the midst of which the Sil passes.
The 4th regiment of Light Infantry, and the
. 13th of Dragoons, routed them ; and, on the
IQth, in the evening, this vanguard took up its
position on the rising ground of Larouca, where a
detachment of the 13th Dragoons, and another of
the 1st of Chasseurs Provisoires, had an opportu-
nity of charging and signalising themselves.
On the 13th, in the morning, general Loison re-
ceived orders to take the Puerto Bibey ; to march
towards Puebla de Tribes ; to cause the bridge of
La Navea to be occupied, and to push his van-
guard towards El Burgo. The bridge over the
Bibey was defended by 4000 men, who had posted
themselves on the rock and the zigzags, which the
roads make for climbing up on the left bank. The
insurgents, who had been joined by one of La Ro-
manas corps, had moreover cut down many trees,
for the purpose of blocking up the bridge, which
they were going to destroy, when the i2d re-
giment of light infantry, supported by the 50th
of the line, under the orders of general de
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 315
Sarnet, presented themselves : the charge was made ^o o k iv.
'I ~ CHAP. VI.
instantly, the obstacles were surmounted, and the '^-*'-^^'-'**«'
•^ ' 1809.
enemies routed; they were pursued beyond the '^""^•
. Intercepted
bridge of Navea, where they dispersed. In this despatch of
marshal Sonlt
affair, which does honour to the troops that were
engaged, the insurgents lost a great number. We
have only to regret four rank and file of the 2d
killed, and fifteen wounded ; among the latter is
Mr. Coustade, captain of the Voltigeurs, who had
his leg shattered, after passing the barricade of the
bridge. General Mula had a horse killed under
hifti : the brigade of general Lorge had some dra-
goons wounded, and some horses killed.
During this transaction general Francheschi,
with his division of light cavalry, and the 47th
regiment of the line, ascended again the left bank
of the Bibey, took up a position in the front, and
to the right of Botty, and sent his reconnoitring
parties by the way of Vearow, towards La Gadina
and Pato.
General Laborde, with his division, and general
Caulincourt's brigade of dragoons, established him-
self at Larna, from whence he drove the enemy
out of the whole Val de Orres, as far as the
bridge of Domingo Flores.
The division of Marmont took up a position on
the elevated plain of Laronia, and that of general
Neudelet, which had been joined by the columns
316
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^ch?p!^v^J' ui^der the orders of general Ronger, from Lugo,
'^"""T^fCT^ was on its march in the direction towards Monte-
June, furado, which it did not reach before the 15th, at
TntcrccDtcd
despatch of night. The brigade of dragoons of general Ma-
marshal Soult.
rise, commanded by general Lahoussaye, was at-
tached to the division Houdelet, and under the
orders of that general.
, The insurrection of the Val de Orres consisted
of the inhabitants of tlie Val de Quiroga ; those
of the Val de Orres, the jurisdiction of Botto, and
the districts of Puebla de Tribes, St. Claudio,
Castro do Cadelar, Coba, and the mountains of
St. IManiet, forming, altogether, from 8 to 9000
men, all armed, under the direction of the curate
of Casoyo, Don Jose Ramon Queroga, and Elira,
whom Romana has appointed general, as well as of
his brother Don Juan Ehra, of the curates of Ben-
dotto and Basco ; of the justice of Botto, named
Larason^ and of the judge of the village of Pettin,
near La Riva. After the aftair of Montefurado,
Larahouco, and Fuente Bibey, all the insurgents
dispersed in the mountains ; but the party remain-
ing at St. Clodio, continued its attacks, and pro-
fitted of the situation of that village, which is on
the bank of the Sil, opposite Maitin de Quiroga,
to keep up a constant fire on the column that was
obliged to defile at half-musket-shot on the right
bank, so as to experience some loss.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 317
General Loison, after passing the Navea, was ^^^^^^^J^'
ordered to send a detachment to St. Clodio, for '"^'^^•^'^^
' 1809.
the purpose of setting the village on fire, by way •^"°^-
n • 1 1 r 1 r- 1 Intercepted
or punishment, for the infamous conduct of the despatch of
. . marshal SouU.
inhabitants. He was also ordered to send another
detachment to Castao de Caldela, in order to set
there a similar example, as a punishment for the
assassination of 85 chasseurs, of the 15th regi-
ment of cavalry, which happened on the 2d of
February ult. and in which the inhabitants of St.
Clodio Puebla de Tribes, and Loba, took a part.
The clothes of these unhappy men, which were
foundj were put togethei', and near them was
posted up a bill, setting forth the motives of this
just vengeance. General Loison pardoned the in-
habitants of Puebla de Tribes, who came in a
body to submit, give assurance of their repentance,
and promise to behave better.
The demonstration which had been made to pass
the Sil, and the march of general Loison through
Puebla de Tribes, in pursuit of the rout leading
from the Val de Orres to Orense, were sufficient
grounds for the marquis de la Romana, who had
halted and collected his troops in the latter town,
to fear that he should be attacked there before he
could have joined Carrera's corps, wliich was near
Vigo and Ridondella. He departed with precipi-
tation, and a strong reconnoitring party, whicli
318 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAT VI.
1809.
June.
general Loison sent on the 16th, in the direction
towards Villa Ricca Frio, learnt that his rear was
already at Limafiaso, marchinof bv the rout of
Intercepted / \ & J
despatch of Castllla, towards Gudina. Indeed a party which
marshal Soult. * "^
general Franceschi, on the 17th, sent to the latter
place, by the way of Viana, met there his rear
guard, and engaged it. On the ISth, a detach-
ment of 100 of the enemy's cavalry reconnoitred
on the left of the position, which general Fran-
ceschi occupied at Botto. We were informed that a
corps of from 4 to 5000 men, commanded by Chia
aria, had arrived at Porto ; and the peasants, who
had submitted after the insurrection of Botto, came
to declare that they had received orders to prepare
immediately for the reception of Romana's troops.
The moment that I heard these particulars, I
judged that Romana was on his march, either to
Puebla de Sanabria, with a view to obstruct my
passage, or to return over the mountains of Ca-
beria, into the vally of Ponferrada and Villa
Franca, where symptoms of insurrection appear
still to exist. I directed my army immediately to
take the road of Viana, where, on the 19th, the
vanguard and the division of Mermet, took up their
position. The other divisions arrived there, suc-
cessively, on the ^Oth. The detachment of Spa-
nish cavalry, which had been seen the day before
on the left bank of the Botto, was still perceived
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 319
B 0 0 K IV.
CHAP. vr.
at the moment, when the vanguard put itself into
motion. It was pursued as far as Viana, without ^^^^
success. The enemy had 1800 infantry on the "^""*'-
•"^ Intercepted
heisrhts of Piuza, suardino; the bridge over the despatch of
, ° ' & » & marshal Soult.
Bibey, and shewed an intention to defend it. Ac-
cording to what we learnt from some inhabitants
that had remained at Viana, the prepared provi-
sions, in pursuance of the orders of La Romana,
who had entered that town the night before, de-
signing to attack us; the corps, which had
marched towards Porto, was to penetrate on our
left into the Val de Orres, re-establish the insur-
rection, and then act on our rear, while we should
be attacked in the front. He also announced the
arrival of a considerable reinforcement of English
and Portuguese, and that his army was on the
heights between the Gudina and Viana.
It was too late to attack on that day the enemy's
detachment, which was on this side of Viana ;
but dispositions were made to drive it from its po-
sition on the 20th in the morning, and afterwards
to reconnoitre that of the army to which I pro-
posed to give battle, whatever might be its force,
if it kept its position. By break of day, it was
seen that the Spaniards had retired. Reconnoitring
parties were sent after them, and we learnt that
they had been passing the Gudina ever since
midnight, and were advancing in great haste upon
320 CAaiPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV,
CHAP. V.
1809.
marshal Soult.
Monterey, having announced their intention to
return to Orense. It was also understood, that
June. there was a great defection among them ; that thev
Intercepted _ "
despatch of had manv sick, and that thev were in want of the
greatest necessaries, a situation which could not
but be augmented by their precipitate retreat.
Under any other circumstances, I should have
pursued La Romana, even though I should have
been obliged to manoeuvre a long time, for the
purpose of falling in with and force him to fight ;
but, as I have had the honour of announcing to
your majesty, in my letter of the 30th of May
ult. I thought that, since my retreat from Portu-
gal, my mission could not have for its object my
stay in Galicia ; where, besides, I did not find
any means to re-establish the troops, and to supply
them with what they must have, nor any place in
which to leave the great number of sick that fol-
low the regiments, and which I must have carried
on the horses of the cavalry, unless I choose to go
as far as Corunna or Ferrol. I also considered
that the English army, which, since my retreat,
pushed up to Cinso, and had suddenly re-entered
Portugal, shewed a design of marching against
general Victor, and advancing to Madrid, and
might easily have made either movement, (for it
was no longer seen on the iVontiers of Galicia,
and ioniy a corps of 500 Portuguese had joined La
Romana;) and that, on this supposition, it was of
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 32i
BOOK IV.
CHAP. Vi.
greater importance for ine to march to Zamora, for
the purpose of contributing with the troops that ^^^^
are between the Douro and the Tagus, towards J""'=-
*" Intercepted
coverinor Madrid, either bv preventing the enemy despatch of
•^ '' ^ marshal Soult.
from taking that direction, or by manoeuvring on
his flank or rear, if lie should have already com-
menced his march. I likewise thought that I
could not avoid approaching some place of safety,
where I might leave my sick, receive supplies, and
take.a fortnight's rest, in order afterwards to con-
tinue the operations, and act according to circum-
stances. This was my intention on the 30th of
May, when I wrote to your majesty, having
agreed with marshal Ney on our mutual opera-
tions. According to this arrangement, the sixth
corps was to re- take Vigo, and send a column to
Orense, with a view to the opening of a communi-
cation with me. If this movement had taken
place, Romana's corps would have been much em-
barrassed : but marshal Ney wrote me from San-
tiago, on the 10th instant, that, having pursued
the enemy to the bridge of'Sampago, he had found
him entrenched upon the left bank of the Caldelar,
after he had broke down the bridge, and that he
appeared to be from 10 to 12,000 men strong, of
whom 3 or 4000 were of the hne, and the re-
mainder peasants; the whole under general No-
rona, who styles himself general-in- chief of the
VOL. IV. Y
BOOK IV
CHAP. VI.
1809.
June.
marshal Soalt.
3^2 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND POliTUGAL, A
army of tlie Minho, and under generals Marillo J|
andCarrera; that the English had, in the bay o^
Vigo, two sail of the line, and three frisates, tlie
Intercepted r- i • i o '
despatch^of^ crews of which had been landed, and were ordered
to defend the place, and the entrenchments which
they have made at the point of Randa ; and,
iinally, that, in this situation, he had not thought
it prudent to push forward, or despatch to Orense,
the column about which we had agreed ; but that
falling back upon Santiago, he placed his advanced
posts at El Radron, guarding the bank of the
Ulla. He then advised me to continue in Gal-
licia, and represented to me that dangerous con-
sequences might result to him if I were to quit it.
This proposal surprised me, and I thought that
marshal Ney conducted himself ill in obliging me
to remain in Gallicia ; for^ certainly, nothing pre-
vented iiim from manoeuvreing upon Orensa, while
I was acting against La Romana, after whose re-
treat he might have advanced against the rear of
Curera, have taken his troops, or have obliged
them to embark precipitately; but he did the re-
verse. From that moment, therefore, I judged it
much more incumbent upon me than before to
follow my first plan, and continue the movement,
which had been settled betwixt us.
Accordingly, as soon as I knew that the general '■".
of the enemy hastened his retreat upon Monterey,
ILJNDEfl LORD Wf^LLINGTON.. 323
BOOK IV..
CHAP. VI.
1809.
June.
and that part of his corps was ill-aff£cted> I made
my arrangements for giving battle, taking the road
af Castile, the right being at La Gndina, and i^^J^^^^^^
the left at Col de Lobiau, while I had advanced SSVouit
posts on guard on the several debouches leading to
Portugal. On th<e 23d I ordered my left to marcl;
against Puebla de Sanabria, from whence, at the
approach of the liead of the column led by general
Lowon, t]ie corps of .Chaiararia, composed of 3000
men, of different detachments, that had returned
from Oporto, retreated, after having spiked pieces
of large calibre, which are at La Puebla. On the
same day this corps dispersed, part of it crossing
the mountains to the frontiers of Portugal, (going,
it is said, to Ciudad Rodrigo,) and the rest wan-
dering about the country. I will endeavour to
pick up some of them, if they can be got at.
Qn the 24th, ajl the troops of the corps d'arm^e
were collected in the neighbourhood of Puebla de
Sanabria, where I intend allowing them some rest
for three or four days, during this time they \vill
prepare subsistence, mend their shoes, and shoe
their litorses, while I agaiij menace Portugal. I
^ay, perhaps, even order a detachment to make
an incursion towards Braganza, in order to obtain
a diversion, which cannot but produce some good
effect.
Thus, then, I shall not set out before tiie 20th
Y 2
^^24
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI,
1809.
Junt;,
Intercepted
despatch of
marshal Soult.
or 30th inst. and on the 1st or 2d of July, I shall
arrive at Zamora. I wish very much that your
majesty may have been pleased to send me thither
orders as well as the succour, which I had the ho-
nour to request in my despatch of the 30th of May
last. Before I conclude this report, I shall take
the liberty of presenting to your majesty some ob-
servations on the present situation of Gallicia.
This province is still in a state of fermentation :
the threats of death and conflagration, employed
by La Romana ; tlie numerous agents acting in his
name ; the executions which he orders ; the devas-
tations which have inevitably taken place from
the frequent movements of the troops ; the ruin
of most of the inhabitants ; the absence of every
authority which might represent your majesty, the
influence of the priest, who are very numerous,
and the great majority of those that are against
us ; the money wdiich the English distiibute ; the
distress of the French generals, who, for want of
means, are often incapable of paying the emissa-
ries whom they employ : all these causes contri-
bute, from day to day, towards increasing the
number of enemies, and rendering t^ie war, in this
coimtry, very murderous, exceedingly disagreeable,
and of remote issue. We must fight much longer
before your majesty can reap any advantage from
it, unless your majesty adopt the system of fortifv^-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. ^^"^
. , . 1 , ^- BOOK IV.
mg seven or eight important posts, capable or ^^^^ ^.,
containing a garrison of from 3 to 800 men, an ^^j^g
hospital, and provisions for four months, in order j,^,^^."^""^^^
to keep in check the people, and close and guard [J^'i^PJ'^'s;;^^,,
the principal debouches, of which the enemy would
then no longer be able to avail himself; as also, in
order to offer to the columns that should act in
the province, points of support, whatever direc-
tion they might follow ; thus, they might receive
assistance and deposit their sick. This last con-
sideration is a very powerful one, and I must not
conceal it from your majesty ; that it has a great
effect upon the minds of the soldiers, who, in the
present state of things, are liable to perish through
misery, or under the blows of the peasants, if
they have the misfortune to he wounded, or at-
tacked by a fever, and to find themselves at a
distance from a place of safety to seek for assist-
ance.
Gallicia might, I think, at the expense of one
million,* be put into a state of defence ; and, as-
suredly, no money would ever be employed to
better purposes, so much the rather, as in the
sequel, the number of troops which now are ne-
• Of livres, of course, £il,666: 13:4 sterling. This, by
the way, is a matter of deep consideration to those wlio enterintu
the minutia of such subjects.
^
326
CAMPAIGNS If? StAI5f AND PORTUGAL,
OOK IV. ^^._„,. ^1. i^u. L. i-.*.
CHAP. VI.
1809.
June.
cessary there might be diminished. Under this im-
plTssion, I have prevailed on marshal Ney to cause
Lugo to be fortified, and to order the construction
Intercepted
despatch of of threg block-houses on the hue of Villa Franca,
marshal oouit. '
the places of Tuy, IMontforte, IMonteroy, Viana, and
the Puebla de Sanablia, all df which are capable
of containing oitlnance, and have an inclosure,
together with other fortifications 5 at the same
time they might easily be restored, and would per-
fectly atisvver the purpose. There are, if wanted,
some oth^r posts fit to be made instruments of de-
fence, without causing any great expense.
If this measure, which I consider ias urgent and
of certain result, be not adopted, it will become
necessary to send reinforcements to marshal Ney,
were it only with a view of supplying his losses,
and keeping open the communications. Though
at present he I'naV b6 strong enough to resist the
united corps of Romana and Carrera, if they were
to present thertiselves in a line, yet, as their system
is that of harassing continually, and avoiding a
general affair; they wouldj in the course of time,
waste the strongest ariiiy, and would, at length,
feVeil destiiOy iti Without fighting, if it were not
supported, and the loss of men would be incalcu-
lable, while the point aimed at had not been car-
ried.
It may probably not fall any more to my Ivt to
n--
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 327
BOOK IV.
CH AI>. VI.
discourse with your aiajesty on the subject of Gal-
licia; I liave, therefore, thought it my duty to ^^^^
communicate to your majesty the observations J""*^'
_ Intercepted
which my stay in this part of your majesty's despatch of
*^ ^ . marshal Soult,
States, and the knowledge I have acquired of the
temper of its inhabitants, have enabled me to
make. And I have the honour to supplicate your
majesty to have the goodness of excusing this di-
gression, in consideration of the motives which
have dictated it.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) ^Iarshal Duke of Dalmatia.
While this conipletc view of the state of the
principal Gallo»Spanish army was obtained, int«lH-
gence of a description, not less important, oc-
curred in a correspondence, by which, as usual, the
French endeavoured to supply a want of mihtary
unison and success by the efforts of military di-
plomacy.
Of the correspondence which these eifbrts pro-
duced, four letters shall be given to shew the na-
ture; two of Sebastiani, with their- answers. They
do ample credit to the finesse of the French ge-
neral, and immortal honour to the Spaniards from
the manner in which they were received : they are,
therefore, worthy to be recorded, as examples of
true and patriotic love for a country which an un-
t
328
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
principled invader is endeavouring to lull into a
dangerous security, while his hordes are creating,
in every direction, new terrors to war, new enor-
mities to vice.
Marshal Soult
to his (soi-di-
aant) majesty
the king of
Spain and the
Indies.
Dated Puebla
de Sanabria,
June 25, 1809.
Sire,
I have the honour to inform your ma-
jesty of the orders which I have given to general
Franceschi,to march from Puebla de Sanabria, with
the division under his command, and to proceed
with it to Zamora, where he will cross the Douro,
and establish himself on the left bank of that river,
on the road which leads to Ciudad Rodrigo, and
wait for fresh orders.
As soon as general Franccschi shall have ef-
fected this purpose, he will hasten to present him-
self to your majesty, in order to deliver to you the J||
despatches with which I have charged him, to lay
before you all the details of this corps of the army,
and of its operations, that you can desire, and to
have the honour to rec^^ive your commands.
I entreat your majesty to receive, with kind-
ness, general Franceschi, to assure him even that
yon are satisfied with the signal services he has^*^3
performed during the campaign, and to send him
back as soon as possible, his presence being neces-
sary for the re-establishment of the division en-
trusted to his command. . Captain, An thonius, my
ft
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 329
BOOK IV.
CHAP. Wl.
aid-de-camp, accompanies general Franceschi, ami
will also have the honour of receiving your ma- ^^^^
iesty's commands. ,, ,""^,' ,
♦^ •' _ Marslial Soalt
This brave officer has behaved himself with ^ the king of
bpaiu.
great distinction, during the campaign, and I can-
not speak too much in his praise.
I shall be preceded on my rout to Zamora, where
I expect to arriv# on the 2d of the next month, by
the commissary-general of the army, IM. Linoble, :-\
in order that he may procure the necessary pro-
vision for the troops, and prepare the hospital
which is to receive the numerous invalids in the
rear of the regiment. He is also to apply to the
intendant-general of the army, for every thing that
may be wanted, such as clothing, boots, shoes,
medical officers, military conveyance, money for
paying the soldiers, and extraordinary expenses,
&c. &c. I have the honour, humbly, to beg your
majesty will deign to give such orders as will be
attended to, as my wants are very great.
I entreat }ou also to give similar orders to the
commandant of the artillery of the army, in order
that the demand which general Dulauloy (whom I
have sent for that purpose to Zamora) make re-
specting the service, may be completed. On the
1st of this month, I wrote to marshal Jourdon, to
beg he would solicit permission to form a junction
at Zamora, with a train of field-artillery, to be at «
■}>.*
■^
330 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN ANB PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. ^y disposal. Mv letter was to have been delivered
CHA P. VI. •/ r i/
^'**'^'''*^ to him by sreneral Bizane, aid-de-caanp to your
1809. JO ' I ^
jnne. majesty. I presume, also, to request your ma-
Marshal Souh . ' i n i j
tothekjngof jcsty Will mve the goodness to order all the de-
tachments belonging to the coi-ps of the army
which are in Spain, all the depots and transports,
for clothing, which are at various places, to join
me at Zamora, unless your majesty prefers sending
them to Salamanca, in the case of its entering into
your views, that I should proceed with the corps
of the army to that point, to be better able to
concur in the general operation, even while I am
occupied in the re- establishments of the troops.
•*^' Your majesty is informed, that, for more than
five months, I have received no orders, no tidings,
no succours ; and, consequently, that I must be
in want of many things, and even be ignorant of
the general dispositions which are to be executed.
Upon this subject I have also the honour to en-
treat, that duplicates of the orders which are
missing may be sent to me, and I will conform to
them. In my despatch of the 30th of I\Iay last, I
communicated to your majesty, that I had given
up to marshal Key brigadier-general Rouger; but
this general, who has great zeal, having remained
^%. several days at Lugo, without employment, and
finding that I could make him useful, I have
brought him back. It was he who conducted tlie
,,/*K
^C7
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. '' 331
last detachment, which is arrived from Lusjo with book iv.
the li^ht artillery. M. Valannes, general of bri- ^-^^^""^
gade, was very much fatigued, and pretended, •'""«•
before my departure from Lugo, to be more indis- ioThVking"of
posed than I conceived him to he; but, having ^^"''
observed in him a moral debility, I desired him to
retire, and to go to your majesty's major-general to
receive his commands.
At this period I also wished to have been able c^nardiceof
trench officers
to Send away generals La Houssave and Mermet, —"of°'^<^rmy
•^ " '' ' cnnstituted like
who have not always done what was in their thcto/ France r
power, for the success of the operations ; but I
preferred waiting till my arrival at Zamora. In
order not to give authority to the reports of in-
trigues or conspiracies which had taken place on
quitting Oporto, in which they had no share, and
of which I have transmitted an account to ycut
majesty, these reports being now entirely gone by.
I think it proper, for the good of the service of the
emperor, that another destination should be given
to these two generals, whom it is not necessary
for tli^ present to replace. The reduction of the
cavalry admits the suppression of one- fourth of a
division of dragoons ; and general Loison, who is
without a division, or general Teray, in whose favour
I have applied fov the rank of general of division^
might veiy well supply the place of general
Mermet, at Zamom. I shall make arrangements
332 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIX AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
111 consequence, and I entreat your majesty to ap-
prove them.
1809.
June. There would still be some changes to make in
Marshal Soult i t i
to the king of regard to the promotions of the generals. I have
Spain. 1 r"
charged general Franceschi with the honour or
consulting with your majesty about them, the
good of the service requires it, and that is a mo-
tive too powerful for the emperor not to give his
consent to ; for in this kind of war, and with the
sort of enemy with whom we have to contend, it
is of great importance to the success of the opera-
tions, that the chiefs, who are at the head of the
troops, be not only of an unyielding nature, but
that they possess that strength of mind which
places them in every case above events, even the
most unfortunate. I have the honour to entreat
;'' your majesty to take into consideration the re-
marks which I allow myself to make, and with
which I am inspired by an ardent zeal for the ser-
vice of the emperor.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) M. Due de Dalmatia.
To his Excellency Don Caspar De JoveUanos.
Conespondetice Sir,
of general Se- _ ,
bastianiwith The rcputation you enjoy m Europe, your
Messrs. Jovel-
lanosandSaave- liberal idcas, your love for your country, and the
dra, and gen. "^ *^ _
venegas. dcsirc to bchold it happy and flourishinpr, ought to
(No. 1.) '■'■'' o o
i'
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
333
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
1809.
June.
Correspondence
make you abandon a party which is contending
only for the inquisition, prejudices, the interests
of some grandees, and of England. To prolong
the struoorle is to augment the calamities of Spain, of g*-nerai Se-
■^^ ^ '■ bastiani
A man like you, recognised by your talents and
character, ought to know that Spain may promise
herself the happiest result by s^ibmitting to a just
and enlightened king, whose genius and generosity
ought to attract to him all the Spaniards who de-
sire the tranquillity and prosperity of their coun-
try. Constitutional liberty under a monarchical
government, the free exercise of your religion, the
removal of all obstacles which, for ages, have im-
peded the regeneration of this noble nation, will
be the happy result of the constitution which
the vast and sublime genius of the emperor has
given you.
Torn in pieces by factions, abandoned by the
English who had never any other project than to
weaken you, rob your fleets, and destroy your
commerce, rendering Cadiz another Gibraltar, you
cannot be deaf to the voice of the country, which
demands from you peace and tranquillity. Labour
to this end in union with us, and let the energy of
Spain evince itself solely in cementing her true f€-
licity. I offer you a glorious career. I do not
doubt that you will embrace with joy the means tff
being useful to king Joseph and your fellow citi-
354 CAMPAIGNS IN ?PAiN AND PORTUGAL,
'^c^i?^v^' ^^"'' ^'^'■^ kfiow di£ stiCflgtJi aw<] iimiiber of imf
''^^"^^^^^^^ armies. You know that the party you have em-
jjine. braced has not <?t>taiaed a ff^itnraefing: of success:
of ^IH^rttl se- you would ow day have deplored it. if vi«toiies had
oasUaui, - I •
cro'WuecJ ymir effoits with success; but the omni^
potent, m liis in^uifce mercy, has dejivered you
from thiat calamity,
I am ready to oj^en comravinicatioins with you,
jjiad g;iyc you proofs <^ my bjgh cowsideration.
Hm-AGi- Seja-stjanj.
GW'eraH,
EvS I *^^* ^^^^ embrac^e ;ai fi^fty. I emtooe
(the just and hofy cause of my country, which
Jiave uuanimously adopted, who had received fronj
.her hand the angajst charge of defending and go-
verning her, and which we have all sworn to erji*-
*b race and sustai« at the expense o-f ow lives. We
aIo not cojnteiid, as you pretemd, for tlie inquisi-
tion, or for .alpfSiijrd >piejudices, or the iatejresits (^
ithe grandees of 3pain. We ms coiitending for thp
|>rccious right-s of .our king, our iieligioin, aur c(mr
iPttitiUtion, and our indapendence ; and do not be-
lieve that the desire to preserve tl>ese is at a distance
JFrpm ihat;of destroying whatever obstacles ruay be
tEyppoased to itjiis iiiid. On !the contrary, and to
»iake use of yoinir phrase, the sdesja-e and purpose
ip reg&aerate^Spain, and raise it ito the d.egree arnd
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. ^^^
spkrwiour it once enjoyed, and will heacefovth
possess, is considered by us as one of our principal
6bli2;ations, Perhaps no Jons^ i>eriod will elapse
<^ I o I • Correspondence
before France and all Europe will acknowledsje that of general Se-
tlie same nation, whicli kn^w how to sustain, with
so much valour and constancy, against an aggres-
sion so much the more unjust, as they couW least
expect it trom those who called tltemselves their
first frieuds — possesses also suificient zeal, firmness,
and wisclom, to correct those alxises whicli insen-
sibly led the country to the horrible fate prepared
fi>r it. Tl^re is Tiot a feeling heart whicli xloes not
deplore the atrocious evils which this aggression
has siied over an innocent people, to whom, after
a pretence to degrade tliem by the infamous title
of rebels, that humanity has been denied, which
the rig-hts of war allow, and which the most bar-
barous eiiemies grant. But, to \vhom are these
evils to be imputed ? To those who cau&e them, by
violating all the principles of nature and justice?
or to those who nobly strive to defend themselves
from them, and avert them for ever from the great
and generous nation ? Do not, general, suffer
vourself to be deceived. These sentiments, which
I have the honour to express, are tliose of rthe
whole nation, there not being a single .good mai;,
even among tliose whom your arms opj^resfj, who
»3() CAMPAIGNS IS SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
does not feel in his breast the noble flame which
^„^^ burns in it for his defenders.
June. 'j^Q Speak of our allies would be irrelevant, if
Correspondence
of general Se- vour letter did not oblio'C me to declare to their
biistiani. " '^
honour, that the purposes you attribute to them
are as injurious as they are opposed to the genero-
sity with which the English nation offered her
friendship and her succours to our empoverished
and disarmed provinces, at their solicitation, from
the first commencement of the oppression with
which they were threatened by their friends.
In fine, general, I shall be well disposed to re-
spect the humane and philosophical principles,
which, as 3'ou say, your king Joseph professes,
when I perceive that, departing from our territory,
he recognizes that a country, which is at this in-
stant laid waste in his name by your soldiers, is
not the fittest theatre for displaying those princi-
ples. This would, indeed, be a triumph worthy
of his philosophy ; and you, general, ,-|!5vere 3'ou
penetrated with the sentiments which it inspires,
ought to glory in concurring in that triumph, that
you might share also in our admiration and grati-
tude.
It is only for this purpose that my honour and
sentiments permit me to make those communica-
tions which you propose, if the supreme central
junta shall approve of it. In the mean while, ac-
iJLAttliVSVZ^. LORD WELLINGTON, ^57
cept, general, the expression of my sincere gra- ^Z*^^^^/
tittide for the lionour you personally shew me, ^'^'^^J^]^^
assured of the consideration I profess for you. ^""^-
vJorrespoud^ace
i.i Gasper DE JoYELLAKOSi of geat;r»l Se.
bastiani.
Stulle, April 24.
To his excellency Don Francisco de Saavadra.
Sir,
You are animated by the love of your (No, 3.)
country ; you desire its felicity ; you are far from
wishing to see it suffer any longer under the tram-
mels of feudality, and the inquisition which op-
pose its regeneration ; your sentiments are too
noble, too worthy of a true Spaniard, to permit
you to be the instrument of foreigners or fanatics,
who delight in nourishing discord. This opinion,
which I entertain of your character and intelli-
gence, induces me to propose to you to terminate
at once the evils of Spain, which would be aggra-
vated by a long resistance. After so long a con-
flict, which unpleasant circumstances have occa-
sioned, is not the time yet come to permit your
province to enjoy, with the rest of the nation, ali
the advantages which are offered by the liberal
constitution, which has been given it by his ma-
jesty the emperor, and which is guaranteed by the
just, loyal, and generous character of his august
brother, king Joseph,
vox. IV. Z
BOOK IV.
CHAP. vr.
1809.
June.-
338 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
It is easy for you, sir, to acquire the justest, in
the eyes of humanity, the fairest title to the gra-
titude of your country, by employing the influence
Correspondence
of general Se- which youT cliaractcr and talcuts give you, to in-
bastiani. ■ '' >=> J >
duce your country to enjoy immediately all those
advantages. Draw that country to a monarch,
whose qualities merit all his confidence, and its
government assures them that honour and pros-
perity have been hitherto the object of its desires
and efforts.
Believe me, it is my sense of your true interests,
as well as the . esteem which your country pro-
fesses for your person, which induces me to take
this step, and that I shall deem myself happy if I
succeed in attaining the end I propose.
Let me know whether, as I hope, you are dis-
posed to this.
You must, nevertheless, be sufficiently aware
of my character, to believe that I shall not on this
account cease to march, and that nothing can de-
tain the progress of our armies, whose successes
are assured by the omnipotent genius of the em-
peror, to whom God has confirmed victory over
all his enemies.
Accept, sir, the expression of my perfect con-
sideration. *
Horace Sebastians
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 339
General, bookiv.
CHAP. VI.
I have received the favour of your ex- "^-^-^v-^-^
"^ 1809.
cellency's letter, dated at Damiel, the 12th inst. J""*^-
, . . -11^ Correspondence
and cannot omit returning my sincere thanks tor of general se-
the good opinion with which you honour me, and (No. 4.)
M'hich I should certainly not merit if I assented to
what you propose. Your excellency does not err
in saying that it is the love of my country which
animates me, but it is that love and the confidence
which the Spanish people have reposed in my
principles, inviting me to share in the administra-
tion of public affairs from the commencement of
this afflicting war, which are the guide of all my
proceedings. I believe I am maintaining the cause
of justice ; and, inwardly impressed with this opi-
nion, I shall, under the influence of those loyal
principles, and that honour which has directed all
the actions of my hfe, constantly pursue the path
I have resolved never to abandon, even should the
uncertain fate of arms reduce me to extreme ca-
lamity. Approaching the end of my rcareer, re-
warded by the love of ' my fellow citizens, I shall
not hesitate a moment to sacrifice • myself by re-
turning that love, though I saw suspended over
my head the sword of vengeance.
■'Besides, general, does your excellency think
thdt if it'lvas possible that I could forget the dic-
tates of my reason, and embrace the part you
z2
340 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
en 4 p. VI.
propose, that I could reconcile those who are op-
posed to such a conduct? All I should gain by
•^'^"^ this would be to bring shame on my grey hairs,
of general Se- ahd draw on me, for such unlooked-for desertion,
18D9.
bastiani.
the indignation of all good Spaniards. The en-
thusiastic opposition to the change of dynasty is
not peculiar to Andalusia, whither the French ar-
mies have not yet prevailed. It exists also in the
provinces still occupied by the troops of the em-
peror. This truth cannot have escaped the deep
penetration of your excellency. In such a situa-
tion, my conduct is not merely the consequence of
my private opinion, but of the general will of
Spain ; and I can never oppose the irrevocable de-
cision of my beloved country. Accept the homage
of my high consideration, , &c.
Francisco de Saavedra.
Seville, April 2\, 1809.
To the general qf the army of Carolina.
General,
^^ "■ ^'' . The glory of giving peace and tranquillity
to his cduntry, ought to be preferred even by a gene-
ral of an army to that which he can expect to gain
by battles. Let us then, general, understand each
other, in order to make the evils cease which press
upon Spain, and stop the effusion of blood. We
both owe this to the troops we .command ; you es-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTONS '^'*^
pecially owe it to your country, m return for the ^Z?J^vu'' \
confidenee it reposes in you. ^^Tsor*""^
The frank, loyal, and beneficial character of ^ ^""^■
' '' ' Correspondence
king Joseph, is to you and your countrymen the ofg^ieraiSe-
surest pledge of what you have to promise your-
selves. For my part, 1 shall be happy if I can be
a useful medium between the king and his people,
in procuring them, by a prompt peace, the tran-
quiUity of which they stand in need, after so
many tempests, and the felicity they may reckon
upon iinder such a monarch. These vijevy;? induce
me to do myself the honour of writing to you,
and waiting your answer. This step must appear
to you the more sincere, because our advantages
are so decisive, that theie can be no doubt of the
success of the war, and because no man can arrest
the designs wbich are planned by the omnipotent
genius of the emperor, to whom God has assured
victory over all his enemies. Accept, general, the
eaepression of my high consideration.
Sebastiani.
General,
I received, in due time, your letter of the Answer?
12th of last month, and I should not have failed
to answer it without delay, if I had not depended
upon a government to whom I was bound to give
information, before I entered into correspondence
342 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAl'. VI.
1809.
June.
with you. Authorised now to answer you, I have
the honour to assure you, that in this we are
agreed, that nothing is more grateful than to give
Correspondence i /- i- • • i , r> i • i t
of general Se- pcacc and telicity to nations ; the glory or which 1
bastiani,
shall always consider as beyond any thing the fate
of arms could give.
Spain was enjoying that unspeakable felicity,
and could not expect her loss, or her sufferings, or
the effusion of her blood from allies for whom she
has made such vast sacrifices, with that characteris-
tic fidelity which other nations have never denied to
her. But a boundless ambition, added to modes of
warfare unknown among cultivated nations, have
emerged her in an abyss of misery, from which
the valour of her sons has to deliver her.
The character of your king Joseph may be as
loyal and beneficent as you please to style it; let
those virtues be exercised in countries where he is
called to reign by the rights of his family, or the
will of the people. With respect to myself, I shall
never acknowledge any other king than him whom
the laws of my country, established by my ances-
tors, in the plentitude of their liberty, have de-
signated. I am satisfied there is not one of my
countrymen who is not animated by the same
spirit, however it may be attempted to deceive dis-
tant nations by the publication of oaths and acts
of homage as voluntary, which have been extorted
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 343
by terror and the sword, and every species of vio- ^^hap. iv. *
lence. ^"T^S^
Convinced, as you, general, ought to be, of this ''^""^•
•^ ' ~ ^ o Correspondence
undoubted fact, and persuaded that you would, as l[^^^^'^^^^'
you assure me, be happy to contribute to the res-
toration of a speedy peace, and the tranquilhty
which our kingdoms need after so many tempests,
I implore you to avail yourself of the favour you
ei^oy under your emperor, in order that, with-
drawing his armies from the peninsula, and resto-
ring us our lawful king Don Ferdinand the Vllth,
the Spanish nation may enjoy that felicity which it
promises itself under his government, these being
the bases on which we may receive your propo-
sitions.
Besides, the fate of arms has been in all times
changeable and uncertain ; and when, in the first
campaign, I contributed to the glories of my
country in the fields of INIengibar and Baylen, I
did not, therefore, flatter myself that I should
have only to offer her my blood in the battles of
Bribiesca and Ucles. General, the constant tri-
umphs of your armies are not so certain as you
suppose ; nor do I believe that the omnipotence of
your emperor is a pledge of further victories ; and
far from believing that the divinity can protect, as
you assure me, so unjust a cau*e, I, on the con-
trary, rely that his unalterable justice will ever
544 CAMPAIGrNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^cHiPp^^vI?^" tieclare itself in favour of the most holy war which
is to be found in the history of nations, and the
favourable issue of which we already begin to see
1809.
June.
Correspondence
of general Se- realized
bastiaai.
" Chosen by the supreme government, to lead
my countrymen in this sacred conflict, it shall ever
be my resolution to save my country, or perish
with it.
Accept, general, &c.
Francisco Vanegas,
Santa Ekna, May 5, 1809.
The present chapter, which leaves the British
commander in a state of uncertainty with respect
to the motions of the enemy, shall be concluded
with some documents, which, though merely diplo-
matic, are necessary to that knowledge of the state
of political relations between Great Britain and
Spain, and throw light on the military operations
of the allies.
The first has been referred to in a former book,
to ward off that censure which would otherwise
seem to attach itself to the irregular understanding
between the two countries. The whole is equally
interesting and important.
The marquis Wellesley, upon grounds which
regularly appear, was appointed to an important
mission to Spain, where Mr. Frere, whom he sue-
.' UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. S45
ceeded, but not stiperceded. had made himself so bookiv.
^ CHAP. vr.
eminently useful. Among his excellency's first ope- v.-'^v-^-^
rations, therefore, the following communication June-
became neceSSaiy. Desiiatch from
•^ Mr. secretary
Canning to tha
marquis Wel-
I enclose (says Mr. Cannino) to your excellency, lesiey.
Foreign-office,
a copy of the treaty of peace, friendship, and al- 27thjunc,i809.
liance, between his majesty and Spain, concluded
here in the month of January of the present year.*
The stipulations of this instrument are so clear
and simple as to require little to be said in expla-
nation of them. I, however, think it my duty to
accompany the communication of it to your excel-
lency, with such a statement of the reasons upon
which the different articles are founded, as m^
serve to guide your excellency hereafter in any
discussion that may arise, respecting either the
effect of the treaty itself or any ulterior negotiation
to be founded upon it.
I have first to state to your excellency the
motives upon which it was thought right by his
majesty to give to his majesty's connexions with
Spain the form of positive treaty.
These motives are to be found, partly in the ob-
vious and natural adherence to that ordinary course
by which the conclusion of a state of hostility be-
tween two countries, and the restoration of a state
* The treaty itself being, after this intelligent illustration of it,
purely political, is here omitted.
34:6 CAMPATG^fS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. Qf peace, are uniformly consigned to a written
CHAP. VI. r ' ./ CJ
'"-•""Y-'^-^ record and agreement : but partly also to the pe-
1809. ^ r J I
June. culiar circumstances of the case, which, while they
Mr. secretary . . ^ . ,
Canning to the made the negotiation or a treaty with a government
marquis Wei- . • i • i i re- i -ii
lesiey. HI the statc m which that or bpam was, and still
continues, peculiarly difficult, rendered it at the
same time peculiarly important, that the extent of
his majesty's pledges and undertakings with re-
spect to Spain should be accurately defined, and
should be compensated in a certain degree by re-
ciprocal obligation.
The sudden and simultaneous burst of resistance
to French tyranny and oppression, which broke
out in the different kingdoms and provinces of
Spain, afforded as little opportunity as there was
inclination for weighing minutely the terms and
conditions on which assistance was to be afforded
by this country to an effort, the character and
tendency of which were such, as at once to demand
all the assistance that could be afforded to it.
This assistance was therefore given at once,
largely and unconditionally, without any other ques-
tion than how it could be most beneficially applied.
But it soon became necessary that the desultory
and divided efforts of the separate provinces, which
were, perhaps, best adapted to the beginning of
such a war, inasmuch as they were calculated to
distract the attention anil dissipate the force of the
enemy, would, when that enemy recovered from his
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 347
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
first surprise, and was enabled to concentre his force
and act upon system, become wholly inadequate to ^^^^
an effectual and a continued resistance. It was, •'^""''•
Mr. secretary
therefore, of the utmost importance, that a central Canningtothe
marquis WcU
government should be formed ; and the temptation lesiey.
of a closer and more regular relation with Great
Britain was held out (perhaps not without effect,)
to induce the Spaniards to hasten the formation of
such a government.
What might have been the decision of his ma-
jesty in respect to the establishment of such more
intimate relations with the Spanish government, if
it had assumed a shape, and adopted principles de-
cidedly different from those of the antient mo-
narchy, is a question which is, fortunately, not
necessary to discuss.
The early and unanimous adoption on the part
not only of the juntas, but of the people throughout
Spain, of those principles which reconcile loyalty
with a spirit of independence, and a desire to main-
tain their country free, with a determination to
support its laws and its legitimate sovereign, left
nothing to be questioned on this head, and made it
a matter of undoubted policy to encourage a
government founding itself on such principles, by
early acknowledgment, and by the offer of an inti-
mate connexion.
This was of itself a sufficient motive for the
^^ CAMPAIGNS IN' SPAIN' AND PORTUGAL,
^cH^^v^' conclusion of a treaty which should define, in pre^
^"""^^^^^'^ cise tenns, the relation between Great Britain and
•^""^- the existing government of Spain. But further,
Mr. secretary
Canning to the as both nations were encased in war against France,
marquis Wel- . O O o
tesiej. it was clearly desirable that the two governments
should be not only so firmly, but so publicly, united,
as to make any attempt to divide them, by separate
peace, hopeless ; and to give to each in the most
indisputable manner, and according to the formal
practice of nations, the right which his majesty
took upon himself to exercise on the overtures from
Erfurth, of claimins; the admission of the other to
any negotiation with the common enemy.
It remains for me to point out to your excellency
such parts of the articles of the treaty as require
any particular notice.
" In the first article, the stipulation of an entire
and lasting oblivion of all acts of hostility done on
either side, in the course of the late wars in which
they have been engaged against each other," though
an ordinary stipulation in treaties of peace, was
peculiarly desirable in this, from the remembrance
and resentment which were understood to be
cherished by some of the leading statesmen in
Spain, in respect to the manner in which the last
war was begun, a transaction entirely justifiable
under its circumstances ; but which, in the actual
relation of tlie two countries, it was undoubtedlv
UNOER LORD WELLINGTON. '^^9
more advisable to avokl the discussion than to es- ^^^^J^^^^J^'
tablish the propriety. ^^^
The second article has the effect of confirming J""«-
. Mr. secretary
and making reciprocal an engagement, which his Canning to ike
nrarquisWel-
majesty had gratuitously taken by his order in coun- lesiey.
cil, of the 4th July, 1 808, for the restoration of all
Spanish vessels captured after that period.
The justice and generosity which dictated his
majesty's conduct on this occasion are happily so
far rewarded as that the only cases which have yet
arisea under this article, the stipulations of which
appeared, and were believed, to be perfectly gra-
tuitous on the part of his majesty, are two cases of
captures of British vessels in the ports of Spanish
America ; the particulars of which captures your
excellency will find in my correspondence with
Mr. Frere, and for the release of which vessels,
your excellency will follow np the application
which Mr. Frere will, no doubt, have made,
founding yourself on the faith of this second
article.
The third article, in addition to the general en-
gag-ement of his majesty for assistance to Spain,
and that of Spain, not to cede any territory to
France, of which I have already spoken, contains a
promise in his majesty's name, " not to acknowledge
any other king of Spain, and the Indies thereunto
appertaining, than his catholic majesty, Ferdinand
350 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. yjj^ i^jg heirs, or such lawful successor as the
CHAP. VI. '
^*'*''V"'*-^ Spanish nation shall acknowledge.
1809. ^ '^ .
June. ji^e object of this stipulation is, to avoid the
Mr. secrelary . . , ,. „,
Canning to the mconveniencc or his majesty being called upon to
if-siey. decide between the conflicting claims of the candi-
dates for the crown of Spain, in the event, not
wholly out of probability of Ferdinand VII. and
his iromediate family being removed by deaths.
Into the examination of this question, it is not
necessary now to enter ; but the treaty could not
have defined the successor whom his majesty was
to profess his readiness to acknowledge, without
either deciding this question, or qualifying the en-
gagement as it is here qualified, by reference to the
previous acknowledgment of the Spanish nation.
The fourth article is formed on the obvious
policy of connecting the efforts and interest of the
two countries, and of preventing any arrangements
between Spain and the common enemy which his
majesty shall not be a party, or which, if concluded
without his participation, should not release his
majesty from his engagement.
I reserve what I have to say on the separate
articles annexed to the treaty for another des-
patch.
Mr. Canning thus continues :
The additional article to the treaty of peace,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 351
friendship, and alliance, which additional article ^o^k iv*.
i- ' ' CHAP. VI.
was signed on the 21st of March, defers ^ the ;ne- ^'^'^'^^^
gotiation of a treaty of commerce tiir a more fa- ■^''"^•
vourable opportunity ; but stipulates, in the mean ca^nmnrtSe
time, for mutual facilities, to be afforded by tem- Tesi?/"
, . ... .-. . , ... Forign-office,
porary regulation on principles or reciprocal utility, june sr, i809.
I have,, therefore, only at present to desire, that
your e.xcellency will make it your business to ascer-
tain and collect all the different regulations or
orders which may have been passed since the
institutions of the central j unta, in favour of British
commerce, and transmit them to me, with such ob-
servations which may occur or be suggested to
your excellency by Mr. Duff, or others of his ma-
jeaty's consuls or commercial agents in Spain;; and
that, with a view to future arrangements, you
should lose no opportunity of endeavouring to do
away the prejudices which; exist with respect to
the restrictions upon the intercourse with the
Spanish possessions in America.
And he adds :
The first separate article annexed to the treaty of
peace, friendship, and alliance, between his majesty
and Spain, is of the utmost importance, and relates
to a subject upon which it will be necessar}' that
you should* with the greatest delicacy, but at the *Sicinorig.
352 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
*c^?p^v!^* ^^^^ time, with the utmost vigilance and circum-
^''••'"y'*'^ spection.
Jane. Thh article was added to the treaty, because it
r.Ir. secretary .
Canning to the was foreseeo that the securing the fleets or Spain,*
marquis Wei-
lesiey. of Francc, in case of such reverses as might expose
ic m or^. ^^^ ports of Spain to the occupation of a PVench
army, would be a matter of great difficulty, on ac-
count of the jealousy manifested by the Spaniards
whenever it has been proposed to introduce a British
force into any of the maritime fortresses ; and at
the very moment when this article was in negoti-
ation, the fate of Ferrol, and of the ships in that
harbour, sufficiently evinced the necessity of such
a precaution.
This article, by making public the object tor
which alone the British troops would be introduced
into Cadiz or Carthagena, and the pledge of good
faith implied by such publicity, that the occupation,
if permitted, would not be abused to any other
purpose, would, it is hoped, secure the consent of
the Spaniards to their introduction, in case of abso-
lute necessity, or of confessedly approaching dan-
ger.
But, at all events, on the faith of this article, his
majesty has a right to require that every preparation
which can previously be made for the removal of
the fleets, on such an emergency, shall be diligently
made by the Spanish government itself. Account*
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 353
have been received here, which represent the pre- book iv.
^ ^ CHAP. VI.
cautions aheady taken as very inefficient for this v^^v^*-^
*' '' 1809.
purpose, and as being apparently calculated rather June.
JVL-. secretary
to resist an attack from the sea than to facilitate Canning to the
. . . . marquis Wel-
the withdrawing of the ships from within the reach lesiey.
of a force which may occupy Cadiz.
Your excellency will have an opportunity, on
your landing at Cadiz, of verifying these represen-
tations ; and, if you find them true, you will not
fail to remonstrate against a neglect, so prejudicial
to the interest of both countries, and against an
appearance of distrust so little merited by his ma-
jesty's disinterested conduct towards Spain.
You will take the earliest opportunity of making
the same inquiries with respect to Carthagena,
and will report to me as early as you conveniently
can, the result of your inquiries, for his majesty's
information.
The instructions on this subject thus continue :
The second separate article annexed to the treaty Mr. secretary
Canning to the
of peace, amity, and alliance, between his majesty marquis Weu
lesiey.
and Spain, refers to the future treaty to be sub- Foreign-office,
^ ' "^ ^ June 27, 1809
sequently negotiated for the specification of the
nature and the amount of the succours to be af-
forded by his majesty to the Spanish government.
The Spanish government has not pressed the ne-
voL. IV. A a
354 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. jyotiation of such a treaty, and there is no reason
'^^"'^-^y-^'^-^ on his majesty's part, in the present state of Spain
June. ^^^j Q^* Europe, for wishing to recall their attention
^.Ir. secretary
Canning to the tO it.
marquis Wel-
lesiey. The circumstances in question necessarily re-
solve themselves into, 1st, arms, ammunition,
clothing, &c. — 2dly, pecuniary as.sistance; — 3dly,
military co-operations.
With respect to the ohjects comprehended under
the first denomination of assistance, arms, stores,
and clothing, &c. the absence of any specific en-
gagements has not prevented, and will not prevent,
his majesty from furnishing sucli supplies as have
been, or may be, required for the Spanish armies to
the utmost possible extent. But this is obviously
a species of assistance, not susceptible of minute
and accurate specification beforehand.
The ground on which his majesty's consent to
make it the subject of treaty was obtained was no
other than to gratify the desire expressed by the
Spaniards, that all the expenditures of Great Britain
on their account should be considered rather in
the nature of loan than of gift, and that, therefore,
some record might exist of the value of the articles
for which they would stand indebted to his ma-
jesty.
The enclosed letter will put your excellency in
possession of the amount of articles actually
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 355
furnished to Spain. — But I am not to instruct your book iv.
1 •'chap VI.
excellency to revive the question of valuation and ^-^-^--v-"*-^'
•^ ^ 1 809.
repayment, or to recur to it on any otlier occasion, J""^-
Mr. secrfitary
or for any other purpose, than for that of insisting Canning to the
marquis Wel-
that tlie amount of tlie value of these stores shall i^siej.
be taken into account in any statement of subsidiary
aid from this country to Spain, when ever (if ever)
the government of Spain shall voluntarily require
such a statement to be made out. The supplies in
kind are not only the most convenient, but, in fact,
the only mode by which his majesty's subsidiary
aid to Spain could, under the present circumstances
of the world, be continued to any considerable ex-
tent.
Among these supplies, at the same time, it is ne-
cessary to make an exception, with respect to the
article of muskets ; the power of supplying which
is unavoidably limited by the amount of the stock
in hand, and the extent of the means of manufac-
turing them in this country.
My despatches to Mr. Frere, of the ,
will have shewn to your excellency, that the ex-
tent to which it \vas proposed to engage for pecu-
niary assistance if a treaty on this subject had been
negotiated, was ten millions of dollars, including in
that sum the specie which was consigned to Mr.
Frere at the time of his departure, and sent to
Cadiz, amounting to about two million three
A ae
356 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
hundred thousand dollars, or about five hundred
thousand pounds sterling ; and including also the
value of arms and stores sent to Spain, from the
Mr. secretary
Canning to the period of thc installation of the central junta.
marquis Wei- *
Lesley. After some of these instructions were given,
however, a variety of circumstances concurred to
render the execution of them at once unimportant
and impracticable.
1st. — The influx into Spain of specie from
America, which has fortunately made Spain in a
great degree independent of external assistance.
2dly, — The continued dearth of specie in this
country, which makes the exportation even of a
very small sum a matter of the most serious diffi-
culty and embarrassment.
So much have these two circumstances together
changed, or rather inverted, the relative situations
of the two countries, that we must now (and until
a supply of specie can be obtained from America)
rely in a great measure upon the Spanish govern-
ment for silver to pay the expenses of our'army in
the peninsula, purchasing that silver by bills on
the treasury ; with respect to which op<wations I
shall have occasion to speak more particularly to
your excellency in another despatch.
3dly, — In the third place, the breaking out of
the Austrian war, while it has relieved Spain in a
considerable degree, from the immediate pressure
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 357
B O 0 K IV.
CHAP. VI.
of the enemy, has created a new demand upon the
pecuniary resources of this country ; a demand, ^^^^
which it would be impossible to meet in any de- J""^-
Mr. secretary
cuee, if so larffe a portion of our disposable means Canning tothe
* ' S« r I ^ marquisWel-
had been appropriated by treaty to the use of Spain, lesiej?.
It is oo this Qccasion a great satisfaction, not only
that no positive stipulation has been made, but
that the feelings of the Spanish government with
regard to Austria have been found to be such as to
induce them to consent, that any consideration of
their convenience showld be postponed to that of
the more pressing and urgent necessities of the
court of Vienna.
This statement your excellency will have seen
expressed in a late despatch of Mr. Frere, as what
he collected from M. Garay in his conversation
upon the subject of loan, proposed here by Don
Pedro Cevallos. The amount of the loan which
Don Pedro Cevallos proposed to raise was, as your
excellency will have seen, no less than ten or
twenty millions, not of dollars, but of pounds
sterling.
The extravagance of this proposal, if it is not to
be considered merely as an unauthorised effort of
zeal on the part of Don Pedro Cevallos himself,
affords a proof how little satisfactory the more
limited aid of ten millions of dollars would have
been likely to prove to the Spanish government.
It is on this ground, therefore, as well as on
358 CAMPAtGXS IN SPAIX AND PORTUGAL,
^c^fp^vi^* o^^^^is, fortunate that that suggestion has not been
'""""'^^^^r*^ brought forward as the basis of a treaty ; and
June. your exccllency will find in the amount of Don
Cannmg^J?he Pedro Ccvallos' proposal, and its consequent im-
ksk/.'^ "" ' practicability, as well as in the wants of,the Austrian
government, and the immense importance of that
diversion to Spain, sufficient reason for avoiding to
entertain any discussion for a precise or definite
pecuniary engagement on the part of his majesty
at the present moment.
You will, however, not decline to receive any
propositions which may be made to you on this
subject, for the purpose of transmitting it home ;
and you will (as already instructed) profess his ma-
jesty's readiness to continue his supplies in kind, to
the utmost extent that Spain can require and this
country can furnish.
But your excellency will understand it to be ge-
nerally a most desirable and important object to
teach Spain to rely upon her own pecuniary re-
sources, and particularly so at the present crisis,
when not only the wants of Austria (as already
stated) are infinitely beyond what this country can
relieve ; but when the very successes of that power
may, at any moment, by encouraging other nations
of the continent to rise against France, produce
new calls on the liberality of Great Britain, which
it is as much the interest of Spain herself as of
'•.,. UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 3J9
Germany, of Great Britain, and of all Europe, that ^^^^^^j^/
we should be enabled to answer. ^^^^S)9^^
3dly. — The third species of assistance, and that J""^-
Mr. secretary
to which the stipulations of treaty have been more Canning to the
" _ marquis Wei-
particularly applicable, is that of military co-ope- lesiey.
rations. Your excellency will be aware that the
treaty of January was concluded and signed at the
time when we were yet uncertain as to the issue of
sir John Aloore's campaign ; that accounts have
been received here from the commanders of the
unfriendly reception of his army by the Spaniards,
and, of what appeared to him, the general want of
spirit in the Spanisli nation, and the utter hopeless*
ness of the Spanish cause.
5 In this state of things, it was determined not to
hazard another British army in Spain, without such
previous stipulations for its reception, and. for its
secure retreat, in case of necessity, as might ef-
fectually prevent the repetition of similar causes t
of complaint, and of the disasters which were then
apprehended. ..
The war in the north of Spain then appearing
hopeless, the admission of -British troops into the
fortress of Cadiz was the condition- stipulated for
the, transfer of the British army to the south.
fiYour excellency will have seen, in the corres-
pondence which has been submitted! to your perusal,
the progress of the discussion on this subject, and
360 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND FORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. the difficulties which were started bv the iuiita
CHAP. VI. •• •^
^^^'■"V""*^ with respect to admission of British troops ; diffi-
june. culties, which must be admitted to have been not
Mr. secretary i i •
Canning to the wholly miagHiary.
marquis Wei- ,
lesiey. You Will havc obscrved, however, that these
discussions have been conducted on both sides
without the smallest degree of ill humour; and
that although the result was not to admit a British
force, and, consequently, not to send a British
army to the south of Spain, there is no ground, to
apprehend that this result has produced in Spain
any alienation from this country; and it certainly
has produced here no diminution of. interest for
Spain.
In this state of things, a treaty for adjusting the
terms of military co-operation has become un-
necessary.
This illustrative commentary upon , the treaty,
and the various discussions which followed it, will
clearly shew the relations between the British army
and the allies at this period, and amply explain
those shades of difference which seem to impede-
the co-opieration so necessary to the united cause;"*
The circumstances described in it should be kept
in view during the inip6rtant occurences which
will takei;place in the next chapter, and, indeed,q
the whole of the present book,i'> anf i') aeai^oiq mU
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. S6l
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
1809.
Mr. Canning winds up the instructions on this
occasion, by giving to tlie ambassador the absokite
controul, in course, of all the persons who had J""^-
hitherto performed independent functions in
Spain.
I enclose to your excellency (says he) a list of Mr. secretary
•^ ./ \ ./ ' Canning to the
all the agents, civil and military, employed in the 3""^^^*
service of his majesty in Spain; to all of whom t^'^^'IT]^^?'
^ J r ' June 27, 1809.
instructions will be given to correspond directly
with your excellency, (sending copies of these let-
ters home, in cases where there proximity to
England affords the means of their intelligence
arriving here more speedily than through your ex-
cellency,) and to attend to your excellency's sug-
gestions and directions, to the extent of even
returning home, if at any time your excellency
shall think it necessary for the public service so to
direct.
In the state' of incertitude in which the allies re-
mained, even the following despatch appeared
important; but it was really so in one respect, that
of declaring an additional circumspection on the
part of general Cuesta.
General Cuestii
«- ii,'/«ti\i 1*° doiu^ntonico.
Most excellent sir, (sa!d he,) when my vanguard Head-quarters.
Bridge of Al-
maraz, June 2S,
1809.
362 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK TV. passed the Ta«us I received notice that the enemy's
CHAP. VI. I , O
^^■^^^^^^^ whole force was at a short distance between this
1809.
June. ^Yi(\ Oropesa, and a great part of them in ambus-
Cencral Cuesta , • i i i ■ • i ^ rv-
to (lonAntonico. cacic HI the woocis, hopnig to SLirprisc ana cut otr
my vanguard, in case of its advancing incautiously.
This intelligence has made me more circumspect,
and I have suspended the passage of the river, and
am occupied in repairing the bridge, having, in the
mean time, formed my infantry and artillery on the
left bank, in order to protect the retreat of
the vanguard in case it should be obliged to
effect it.
We have no intelligence of the epemy having
abandoned the bridge of Arzobispo, nor is it to be
supposed they will do so as long as they continue
in the above project : on the other hand, their de-
lay may be of advantage to us, by affording tiine
for the arrival of the British army, which I consider
is already advanced on its march to the banks of
the Tietar.
(Signed) Gregoria de la Cuesta;
' ' . L i
The whole of the circumstances qf this periodj
though in their immediate results not decisiyei)^
important, afforded strong presages of the actiyq
operations about to ensue, like the first distant
motion of a tempest; and prepared the British
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
army fully to expect a grand struggle with the
enemy, in which the character of the allied troops
and the value of their co-operation would be
evinced, and the nature of the campaign at least
decided.
3^3
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI.
1809.
Juae.
354
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. Vll.
1809.
July.
CHAP. VII.
OPERATIONS WHICH LED TO THE BATTLE OF
T ALA VERA.
Afovements of the Enemy indicative of a general
Battle. — Relative Ciixumstances of the Allies. —
Amicable military Communications between the
British Minister, Mr. Frere, and the British
Commander-in-Chiej\ — Reports of the Spanish
Generals. — Communications between Sir Arthur
JVellesley and the British Government. — Im-
proved Viexvs of the Campaign. — Instruction
in respect to an Advance into the Interior of
Spain, and the Appointment of a British Com-
mander-in-Chief to the Allied Army.
Indications of THE advancc into Spain soon marked the cha-
an approacniBg '
conflict with the ractCF of the o:eneral who now headed tlie gallant
enemy. ^ ^
army, whose prowess was only impeded, not abated,
when under the chillino; influence of a state of long
inactivity.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 3^5
The van has aheadv shewn itself in the affairs of book iv. .
J CHAP. VII.
the last chapter, and the first communications of ^-^^^^.'^"'^
• ' _ 1809.
the British general, as he passed the eastern frontier J"'y-
Indications of
of Portugal, were, therefore, of an enemy embar- an approaching
conflict with the
rassed at his approach, and necessitated to fly, that enemy.
he might preserve the communication of his armies.
That enemy also soon discovered that he was no
longer to experience the torpidity of a doubtful
campaign, that if, as might be, he had no reason
to expect a rapid general operation, he would at
least have to prepare against the annoyance of an
active cunctation.
In aid of this spirit the facilities of intelligence
were greatly increased, both on the part of the
Spaniards and the British minister, whose diligence
and judgment in that respect can never be too
highly appreciated.
On the 1st July, sir Arthur Wellesley informs ^'^"'••s^""^^
•^ ^ sir Arthur Wel-
lord Castlereaofh that the enemy's corps, com- lesiey to lord
*-^ »/ 1 J viscount Castle-
manded by marshal Victor, have continued their S.^^§^, „
»' ' Castelloeranco,
retreat from the Guadiana across the Tagus, at J"'y ist,i809.
Almarez, and along the river towards Talavera,
while the corps commanded by Sebastiani had
likewise retired towards the Tagus. The retreat
of both these corps has been gradual, and they
have sustained no loss ; although the former lias
S66
CAMPAIGNS IN SPATN AND PORTUGAL,
^cH?T^vl^' ^^^" followed by the army of general Cuesta, and
'^"^^^^'^^ the latter by that of general Vanegas.
J"'y- General Cuesta's advanced guard crossed the
Sir Arthur Wel- ^ ., , , t . , •
Jesieytoiord lagus at Aimarez, on the 24th June, and the niani
Castlereagh.
body were to tollow as soon as the bridge of boats
should be completed. General Vanegas* corps
were, on the 22d, the last day on which I heard of
them, at Villarta.
The British army broke up from the camp and
cantonments on the Tagus, on the 27th June, and
are on their march into Spain, by Zanza Major, to-
wards Placentia ; the advanced guard will be at
Zanza Major on the 3d.
I have the honour to inform your lordship that
I have heard that general Robert Crawford arrived
at Lisbon, with his brigade, on the 28th.
Since I closed my despatch to your lordship of
this day's date, adds his excellency, I have heard
from colonel Roche, who has relieved lieutenant-
colonel Bourke, at general Cuesta's head-quarters.
It appears that Joseph Buonaparte had arrived at
Toledo on the 22d, with a corps consisting of about
5,000 men, and he had crossed the Tagus, and had
proceeded as far as Moras, to join Sebastiani, ap-
parently with a view to fall upon Vanegas' corps :
he had, however, returned to Toledo, as I under-
UNDER LOUD WELLINGTON. 36?
Stand colonel Roche, with Sahastiani's corps, and bookiv.
' ' THAT. VII.
the troops he had brous^ht with liim ; and he was >*^^*?r^
'^ Sir Arthur Wel-
on his march towards Talavera, where the French lesieytoiord
Castlereagh,
were in considerable strength.
The whole of tlie army of general Cuesta had
crossed theTagus, at Ahnarez, on the 29th, except-
ing three divisions, amounting to about 10,000 men,
wliich were higher up the river, at and in the
neighbourhood of Arzobispo, on the left bank, and
his advanced posts were at Navalmoral, on the
right bank, and he occupied some villages still
nearer to Talavera. The general had determined,
liowever, upon hearing of the collection of the
French troops at Talavera, to recross the Tagus ;
and colonel Roche expected that that operation
would be completed by that night.
I have recommended to general Cuesta to throw
, his bridge over the Tagus, at a place below the
' junction of the Tietar with that river, in order that
1 might join him or he may join me, if the enemy
shotdd move against either of the corps, and that
Vanegas' corps should be kept in a place of security
near Villarta, in which position it threatens Toledo
and Madrid, and the enemy's rear, in the event of
his moving to this quarter.
The indications .of an approaching general battle
soon received an important accession from the
368
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV
CHAP. VII.
1809,
communications of Mr. Fiere to the government
at home. This vigilant and inteUigent minister,
J"iy. notwithstanding the extraordinary conflict in
which he appears to have been placed, in respect
to former operations, thus continuing to yield,
with laudable perseverance, his talents, whenever
they could be serviceable to the cause in which
he was embarked ; at the same time, no less the
cause of the world. He thus, with reference to
the despatch of Cuesta, commences the informa-
tion of the present state of Spanish aflfairs.
Right bouour- The apprchensions which I expressed in my
able J.H. Frere ^^ , .
to Mr. secretary last dcspatch, respecting the danger to which ge-
Canning.
Seville, sdjiiiy, ncral Cuesta was likely to expose his army, by
pushing forward a part of it to the other side of
the Tagus, before the arrival of the British army
under sir Arthur Wellesley, were relieved the fol-
lowing day by the receipt of the report which I
have the honour to enclose, and which indicated
his apprehensions of such an attempt on the part
of the enemy. It seems, however, that they
were founded upon movements made by them
with the sole view of covering their retreat, as-
sembling their troops between Navalmoral and
Oropesa ; and this circumstance determined ge-
neral Cuesta to complete the bridge and effect the
passage of the army, (as is stated in another re-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 369
port, dated the same day,) and, at the same time, ^^f,.^^/j^"' |
to take possession of the Piente del Arzobispo, '"'*'^^J^*^
which the enemy had abandoned. It appears, by J"'y-
•^ . ^ir. Frere to
the report of the following day, that intelligence Mr. Canning
was then received, that Joseph Buonaparte had
entered Toledo on the 23d, agreeably to the in-
telHgence which I before mentioned, of his in-
tention of leaving Madrid about that time ; that,
on the same day, a body of cavalry proceeded to
Mora, a movement which, combined with that
before-mentioned, appeared to threaten an attack
against the army under general Vanegas. On the
same day, general Cuesta's light troops pushed on
as far as the Calzada de Oropesa ; on the follow-
ing day there was a slight skirmish, in which the
French lost a few men at Calera, but revenged
themselves by setting fire to the village. At
the same time, their division, which had crossed
the Tietar, was withdrawn m the direction of
Talevara and x\renas.
On the 29th, having learnt that Joseph Buona-
parte (who, it seems, had proceeded from Toledo
to La Mancha, with the 6,000 men before- men-
tioned) had returned to that city with the same
force ; and that Victor's cavalry had besides re-
turned from Toledo to Talavera. General Cuesta
became apprehensive of being attacked before the
arrival of the British, (who were not expected to
VOL. IV B b
370 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
reach Zara before the 3d or 4th,) and under the
circumstances of having his army divided between
J"iy- the brid2:es of Ahnaraz and Arzobispo, a distance
Mr. Frere to . ° ^
Mr. Canning, of nine leagucs, he (jietermined, therefore, after
finishing his bridge, (the completion of which
had been delayed by some negligence or mistake
in the arrival of a part of the pontoons,) to pass
his army to the left bank.
In his last reports of the 30th, general Cuesta
states that his whole force was again on this side
of the Tagus, with the exception of the light
troops who were stationed at the bridge of Ar-
zobispo, and who were in possession of both sides
of the river, had had orders to defend it to the
last extremity. It is in fact a point of the utmost
importance, and the neglect or impossibility of
occupying it before, had been the origin of all
the calamities attendant upon the invasion of Es-
tremadura. If the enemy, who still remained
encamped between Talavera and the Albercho,
should determine to retreat, general Cuesta would
be able to follow him without loss of time; at
the same time that he is secure from any attack,
except at the bridge of Arzobispo, from which
point the roads are impracticable for any force,
except a mere body of infantry, unsupported by
cavalry or artillery, such as, in a former instance,
unfortunately succeeded in turning the position
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 371
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
of the Spanish army at Mirabelle. General Cu-
esta's conduct, in abandoning- that post under ^^^^
such circumstances, was much blamed at the J*iJ-
Mr. Frere to
time, and there can be little fear that such an at- Mr.Canaiug,
tempt should a^^ain be successful under circum-
stances so different, in case of attack on the
retreating army, followed by ill success. General
Cuesta's intention would be to re-cross the Tagus
instead of falling back upon Placentia, where the
country would be insufficient for the subsistence
of his army. From what is stated above, and
from what appears of the disposition manifested
by the enemy, there seems little reason to fear but
that the junction between general Cuesta and
the British army will be safely effected.
Great apprehensions had been entertained of
some desperate attempt being made against the
army of general Vanegas, which was inferior in
numbers, and tooilr removed to receive any ef-
fectual assistance from general Cuesta. It was
even imagined that the enemy proposed to him-
self to force a passage through the Sierra, and to
plunder Andalusia, before the British army, or
that under general Cuesta, could arrive to defend
the capital. It was even said that general O'Far-
rel had obtained an entire influence over the mind
of Joseph ; and that, in the true spirit of an
exile, he had determined to hazard every thing
Bb 2 .
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
by a desperate blow, combined with intelligence
which be was suspected to have of the part of the
country between Cordova and Jaen. A letter,
which implied the existence of such a plan, that
was found some time ago in a church-porch, where
it was supposed to have been dropped by a per-
son in the dress of a beggar, who had passed the
night there, was considered as a confirmation of
the existence of such a project, and the direction
of the French towards Ciudad Real, which leads
to two passages, one by Puerto Llano, Puerto
Moehueli, and Pozo Blanco, and the other by
Fuen Calimata, was looked upon with a great de-
gree of alarm by some persons. General Vane-
gas, in consequence of these movements, which
he considered as threatening an attack upon the
army under his command, determined to retire to
his position in the Sierra.
A few days after Mr. Frere continued this in-
telligent detail, with a military view, of the re-
lative state of the Spanish armies, which forms
an admirable specimen of that ministers judg-
ment, in the particulars of which he treats, much
as that judgment had been impeached by the
officer in aid of whose command it had before
been offered.
It is no less pleasing to perceive the manner
in which Mr. Frere offers his military remarks
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 3/
BOOK IV.
CHAP. vir.
1809.
than that in which they are received by sir
Arthur Wellesley.
" I only trust," says Mr. Frere, " that the mi- M'-
To Mr. Can-
Jitary suporestion, which I had the presumption to ning.
'^ ^^ ' ^ \ nth July. 1809.
oner, will not be thought to have been given on
any other footing than that which I have dis-
tinctly and studiously expres.sed ;" and this diffi-
dence, by no means, surpasses the noble amenity
of sir Arthur Wellesley.
The following is the letter, containing the re-
marks which may be deemed positively military :
Dear sir,
I inclose a duplicate of my last des- Mr. Frere to sir
• '' Arthur Welles-
patch, which I shall be oblio-ed to you to forward K'?-.,, , ,
t^. * -^ Seville, Julys,
to Lisbon by your next opportunity ; since that ^^*^^
time nothing has occurred in the north-eastern
provinces, except that it appears that the siege of
Gerona is pressed with great vigour by the enemy.
Without troubling you for the detailed informa-
tion mentioned in your note of the— —as having
been received by colonel Roach, 1 can easily con-
ceive the state of things which we would have
had to report, and the embarrassment to which
he must be exposed, by the accumulation of a
vast force, of the description which he and your
other informants must have witnessed.
An army of 35,000 undisciplined troops ap-
BOOK rv.
CHAP. VII.
1809.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
pears to me^ according to those vague notions
which a civilian may be allowed to entertain of
J"'y- military matters, much too great for immediate
Mr. Frere to sir . . ,, ,
ArthurWeiies- and con-joint co-operation in a day of action,
ley.
with a force such as you have under your com-
mand. I should apprehend that a military body,
of much less force, might be, in many respects,
preferable, as it would be more likely to assume
the spirit, and follow the example of troops of a
superior description, would be less liable to fall
into the disorder to which their present character
exposes them, and less likely to communicate the
effects of their bad example to an auxiliary body,
which they would not greatly out- number.
If as it should seem, and as you appear to ap-
prehend, the enemy should make a shew of re-
sistance on this side of Madrid, might it not be
useful to detach a corps, in the first instance, in the
same direction which you proposed to take with
the British army ; for instance, through the
Puertal de Arenas to Quia, Orevalo, and Segovia,
menacing the rear of Madrid, and the retreat of
the enemy ? In this case would not the main army
be obliged either to retreat or to detach ; and, in
' either supposition, would not the result of the
operations of the corps separated, in order to
produce this effect be attended with more bene-
ficial consequences than any which would be ex-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. S7.'5
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
1809.
ley.
pected to arise from their presence in a day of
action, with an army constituted as the allied
force, is a present, and opposed to the united -"^"'y-
J, /» 1 ^^^' Frere to sir
rorce or the enemy in a fixed position? Arthur Weiies-
I take the liberty of suggesting this idea merely,
because it has struck me very forcibly, and upon
the same footing, that I should have done, if cir-
cumstances would have allowed me the satisfaction
of a private conversation with you, and as I might
equally have ventured to do, if I had been residing
here casually in a private character.
There are circumstances, however, which make
the detachment of a part of the force, at present
united, under the order of general Cuesta, exceed-
ingly desirable under another point of view.
It is a matter of general suspicion, and has been
so for some time past, that general Cuesta medi-
tates some serious plan of vengeance, in resentment
of the affronts and disgusts which he experienced
about half a year ago on the part of the central
junta. The dispersion and ruin of general Blake's
army has removed one great obstacle to such a
project on his part, and has increased the alarm of
those who apprehend it.
The army of general Vanegas, it is thought,
might be depended upon, but it is much inferior
in number ; and the obvious remedy seems to be,
to detach from his army under the command of
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
1809.
July.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
some chief, who might acquire sufficient reputation
and confidence among the troops put under his
command, to enable him to stand out against any
Mr. Frere to sir _ _
Arthur Welles- violcnt mcasurc on the part of the commander-in-
chief.
I have reason to apprehend that many of the
junta would not venture to propose such a measure,
which proceeding from them, in the first instance,
would appear obviously to have originated in poli-
tical and not military views, would be very glad to
have some plan of the kind which I have men-
tioned, viz. a separate force detached from the
main body, suggested to them by you as a military
plan ; and that, in that case, they would venture
to give orders for its execution.
General Vanegas himself does not appear pos-
sessed of that military reputation or commanding
character, which would be necessary to counter-
poize a man of general Cucsta s authority and de-
cided temper.
General Blake's army has dispersed, and the in-
dividuals have generally escaped ; but what would
have been the fate of an English auxiliary body
which might have been acting in conjunction with
them ?
If the Spanish government cannot give (as they
certainly cannot) a perfect security against the re-
petition of the same disgraceful scene on ihe part
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 577
of their troops, tliey are boundat least to ojive us book iv.
r y J O CHAP. VII.
every possible security which can arise from the ^""^"^^T^*^
choice of officers, distribution of troops, &c. •^"•y-
Mr. Frere to sir
Upon anv point of this kind, I should think it ArtimrWeUe*-
, " . . Icy-
my duty to support any representation commg
from you, in the strongest manner possible, con-
ceiving that it is our duty not to suffer the risks
and hardships to which a British army must neces-
sarily be exposed for the services of the common
cause, to be unnecessarily augmented in the slight-
est assignable degree, in compliance with any par-
tiality or jealousies, or feelings of an inferior order,
by which this government, like all others, might
be actuated, if left to themselves.
We have this moment, by the concussion of all
the world, only two men who are capable of
commanding even a small body of troops in a mi-
litary manner, general Blake and the duke of
Alberquerque, and they both find themselves with-
out an army. Blake, by a misfortune to which it
is impossible to attach any blame ; and Alber-
querque by a misfortune, for which he is still less
accountable, that of having given umbrage to the
junta, by the circumstances of his birth and for-
tune, and of exciting the jealousy of general
Cuesta, by his reputation and popularity among
the troops, motives which I fear may lead to the
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^c^fp^nT' sacrifice of his reputation, and to the loss of his
^^^"""^'^^Z^ services to the public cause.
1809. *■
July- It would be my wish to see general Blake rein-
Mr. Frere to sir
Arthur Welles- forccd iu tunc, to prcvcnt tlic fatal consequences
which must otherwise follow, whenever the fall of
Gerona lets loose general St. Cyr's army, consisting
of not less than 20,000 men, to complete the
destruction of the northern provinces.
This, I should conceive, might be done by a de-
tachment from the army of Vanegas, which would
be replaced by an equal number from that of ge-
neral Cuesta.
The duke of Albuquerque would have no higher
ambition than that of commanding any body of
Spanish troops, which you might demand to have,
either directly attached to the British army, or
placed under your immediate orders, for any sepa-
rate enterprize which you might deem advisable.
Colonel Whittingham is, I understand, with
you, and, I trust, that his report will have given
you as favourable an opinion of the duke's cha-
racter and abilities, and of his conduct under the
treatment which he has experienced, as any which
you could conceive from a detail, with which it
would be superfluous to trouble you.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) J. H. Frere.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. S79
B O 0 K IV.
CHAP. vir.
The follovvins: is the answer : — v-i*^^r— **-^
" J 809.
July.
-mr ■, . Sir Arthur Wel-
My dear sir, lesiey to Mr.
I received your letter of the 8th, at ge-
neral Cuesta's head-quarters, whither I went on
f the 10th, in order to settle the plan of our future
operations. I stated to the general my opinion,
that the principle attack upon the enemy posts on
the Alberch^, ought to be made by the united force
of the British and Spanish armies under his com-
mand ; that it would be desirable to detach a corps
of 10,000 men on our left, towards Avila, to turn
the enemy's right ; and that Vanegas, after having
driven Sebastian i's corps across the Tagus, by
which, alone, he is understood now to be opposed,
should turn to his right and cross the Tagus, either
at Arranjuez or Fuente Duenas, and threaten Ma-
drid by the enemy's left.
The general proposed that I should make the
proposed detachment to Avila from the British
army, which I declined, on the ground that the
British troops, to act with advantage, must act in
a body, and that I thought the detachment might,
^ with more propriety and advantage, be made from
the Spanish army, which already appeared to me
to be more numerous than was necessary for the
operations on the Alberch6, or than would be
^^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
cha^p.^vik'* ^^""^ convenient, in reference to its stale of dis-
""■"i;^ cipline.
Sir Arthur wei ^ ^^^^^^ proposcd that this Spanish detachment
kskytoMr. should mapch by the Puerto de Banas; that by
JuiyTi?o'9^^"' Arenas and the Puerto de Pico being deemed im-
practicable for artillery.
General Cuesta declined to make any large de-
tachment from his army, but offered to send two
battalions of infantry and a few cavalry, to join
sir Robert Wilson's Portuguese brigade, and march
upon Arena, and thence to Escalona, on the Al-
berche, in communication with the left of the
British army.
He adopted, however, the remainder of the plan
proposed, which we shall begin to carry into exe-
cution on the 1 8th instant.
General Cuesta having declined to send any
large detachment to the quarter proposed by me, I,
of course, had no opportunity of proposing, that
the duke of Albuquerque should have the com-
mand, to Avhich I certainly should have been dis-
posed, as well on account of your recommendation
as from his own character.
(Signed) Artuuii Wellesley.
Viscount Cas-
tlereagh to
Jieut.-general
sir Arthur Wel-
lesley.
His majesty (says lord Castlereagh) has been
Downing-street gTaciously pleased to approve of tlie whole of your
1809."^' proceedings, as communicated in your despatches ;
U?fDER LORD WELLINGTON. 381
and hopes the arrival of the reinforcements will ^^^^°^^J^-
have enabled you to act with effect, in consort ^"^"^^^^^^^^
with o^eneral Cuesta, against the enemy. -^"'y-
* ' ^ -^ ^ Viscount Cas-
The scarcitv of specie has become a subject of tiereagh to sir
•^ i^ '' Arthur WeU
much anxiety ; the supply sent out by the Ro- '"ley.
samond and Niobe, (which left this country early
fin June,) arriving so immediately after that you
received from Cadiz, will have relieved your wants
for the present ; but it becomes a subject of the
most serious consideration for you to concert with
the commissary-general how you can realize the
funds necessary for your army, in the peninsula,
by bills on England.
Nothing more completely shews the unformed
state of the economy of a British army than the
necessity of the preceding hints on the very ele-
ments of mihtary operation. Sir A. Wellesley
sufficiently occupied with their higher principles
had scarcely time or space of mind to those merely
financial ; and, notwithstanding the acknowledged
talents existing in the commissariat, it must be
confessed that it had not hitherto eminently dis-
tinguished itself in the creation of resources for
this army.
It is to be recollected, however, that a British army
had yet entirely to learn that dextrous art by which,
according to the principles of early as well as of
recent warfare, a body of troops were to be pro-
382
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
1809,
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
vided ; that it was yet encumbered by the scruples
of an exact probity; and, above all, that it was
•^"'y* pecuharly situated in Spain.
Viscount Gas- r J i ^ -
tiereagh to sir How far somc ncw and important principles, to
Arthur Wel- ^ r r r >
lesiey. bc dcrivcd fiom the experience of tiiis war, may
operate in future on the prosecution of similar pro-
jects will remain to be seen.
At the same time, unaccustomed to move in
vast bodies on a continent, the mobility of a Bri-
tish army, that art, by which it shifts with rapidity
and correctness, disjoins, unites, prepared for
every occurrence, confines, and easily provides its
own wants, is yet far backward, and requires a
discipline, exercised with judgment and firmness,
to form and direct.
To aid in the provision of this army, in the in-
terim, by his political weight, as well the other ob-
jects of such a mission, the succession of the
marquis Wellesley to Mr. Frere, long expected,
was again thus complimentarily announced to that
minister.
" I write, by this occasion only, to inform you
that the delay of the marquis Wellesley's depar-
ture has been produced by a severe indisposition,
which has latterly, and till within these two days,
confined him to his bed.
" The day before yesterday he was able to quit his
bed ; and I am allowed by his physicians to enter-
tain the most confident expectations, that he will
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
be in a state to set out for Spain in the course of
the ensuing week. It is to be hoped that this un-
lucky, but unavoidable, delay will not create any
ill impression at Seville.
I am commanded by his majesty to express to
you, his majesty's entire reliance on your conduct
iu carrying on his majesty's service, so long as you
remain at Seville, a reliance in which his majesty
has been confirmed by the strong testimony re-
ceived from the Spanish government, of the zeal
which you have uniformly manifested in the exe-
cution of the duties of your mission, and the con-
fidence which you have succeeded in inspiring.
The intelligent commencement, already given in
the despatch of the British minister, of the presage
towards a general engagement, was immediately
followed, and confirmed by reports from every
quarter ; of these the duke del Parque thus writes
to the Spanish secretary-at-war : —
Most excellent sir, #
Yesterday morning I received notice from Duke Dei
Parque to M.
Salamanca, that the French, who were in that city, de Comei.
•^' CiudadRo-
were preparing to march, during the night and drigo.iothJuiy,
this morning. I have received advice from various
points, that 2400 infantry, with two pieces of
cannon, had marched, and the cavalry was pre-
384 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
1809.
paring to set out to-day : they had demanded
rations for 5000 men, in addition to those who
July- were there. About 400 had entered, and the rest
Duke del . .
ParquetoM. wcre HI the neighbourhood, when general Millet
de Cornel. . , . .
received a courier, in consequence of which he
ordered the return of the 5000, and the evacua-
tion of Salamanca.
It is asserted, that these troops took the direc-
tion of Valladolid ; some say they are going to
Madrid, others, to take up a position at Samos-
sierra ; and various of their officers, who evinced
considerable discontent, confidently assured several
of the inhabitants of Salamanca, that the real ob-
ject of their march was to return to France, in
consequence of the bad news they had received of
their armies on the Danube, by which Napoleon
was placed in very distressing circumstances.
I have directed various persons, in my confi-
dence, to follow the movements of the enemy, as
well on the side of Salamanca as towards Salva-
tierra, in case any of the divisions, which are in
the district of Alba, should propose to proceed to-
wards the Puerto do Bancs, with the intention of
marching into Eslremadura, that I may receive
early advice of their movements, in order to com-
municate it, without loss of time, to general
Cuesta and sir Arthur Wellesley, who is in Pla-
centia.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 385
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VI[.
1809.
f likewise caused a company of lancemen to
march yesterday evening on the road to San Munoz,
in the direction of Salamanca, and gave orders to J"*y-
Presages of an
the conmiandino- officer of about 100 horse, who approaching
^ battle.
are at the Fiiente de San Estevar, to support them, Duke Dei
' '^^ ParqucloM.
leaving sufficient force there to protect their retreat, de Comei.
if necessary.
To-day 94 horse, of the volunteers of Ciudad
Rodrigo, followed by two companies of the ca-
valry regiment de La Reyna, which, from the
weakness of the regiment, do not exceed 80 horse,
set out towards Salamanca, by Ledisma.
I have given orders to the respective command-
ers, to over- run the country in both directions,
preventing the enemy's small parties entering the
villages, and robbing, burning, and desolating
them, as they are accustomed to do in taking their
departure. That they shall advance carefully even
to Salamanca, avoiding any engagement with su-
perior forces, and to enter that city in the event of
finding it entirely abandoned by the enemy ; to
assure the inhabitants of the protection of this
army, and to encourage the timid, that they may
not quit the country with their property, and fol-
low the French, and to express generally, that
those only will be punished who have openly and
positively been guilty of assisting the enemy.
Your excellency will be aware that the quickness
VOL. IV. c c
386 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV ^j^i^ which this operation requires to be executed,
CHAP. VII. r 1
'^-''-v"**^ and the nature of the country, do not admit of
1809. -^
July- my making use of an infantry force ; the more so,
as it would only fatigue and expose them to no
purpose ; and that, in case this retreat should only
be feigned, I have taken measures to support the
cavahy, who are to retire to this fortress.
(Signed) El duke de Pakque,
Castrella,
Sir Arthur Wellesley thus continues his commu^
nications to lord Castlereagh.
My Lord,
Lieut-General ^f|.gj, J j-,^j.| ^^j-itten to your lordship, on
sir Arthur Wei- -^ ''
l!Icomlt CasUe- ^^ ^^^ instant, Joseph Buonaparte crossed the
prare'ntia 15th Tagus again, and joined Sebastiani with the troops
.Tuiy, 1809. i^g }-j^^ brought from Madrid, and with a detach-
ment from marshal Victor's corps, making the
corps of Sebastiani about 28,000 men; with an in-
tention of attacking Vanegas's corps, Vanegas,
liowever, retired into the mountains of the Sierra
Morena; and colonel Lacy, with his advanced
guard, attacked a French advanced corps in the
night, and destroyed many of them.
The French troops thus returned again to the
Tagus, which river Joseph Buonaparte had crossed
with the reinforcement which he had taken to Se*-
irNDER LORDVVELLINGTON. 387
bastiani's corps: and this last corps, consistino" of bookiv.
I ' I ' ~ CHAP. VII.
10,000 men only, was on the left bank of the ^"^TsoT"^^
Tagiis, about I\Iadridle";os, in front of Vauesas, •^"'^•
. . Sir Arthur Wel-
who was agani advancing. lesieytoiord
viscount Castle-
The last accounts from that quarter were of reagh.
the 8th.
The French army under Victor, joined by the
detachment brought by Joseph Buonaparte from
Sebastiani's corps, and amounting in the whole to
about 35,000 men, are concentrated in the neigh-
bourhood of Talavera, and on the Alberch6 : ge-
neral Cuesta's army has been in the position, which
I informed your lordship that it had tajcen up,
since I addressed you on the 1st instant.
The advanced guard of the British army arrived
here on the 8th; and the troops, which were with
me on the Tagus, arrived on tiie 10th. The Q3d
Light Dragoons, and the 48th, arrived yesterday.
The 6 1st regiment will arrive to-morrow.
1 went to general Cuesta's head-quarters at Al-
maraz, on the 10th, and stayed there till the 12th;
and I have arranged with that general a plan of
operations upon the French army, which we are
to begin to carry into execution on the 1 8th, if the
French should remain so long in their position.
The following is agreeably addressed to the Spa-
nish adjutant-general, or rather, perhaps, chief of
c c '2
'^^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. ^L^ «. ir 1^ • ,. • 1 /> 1
CHAP. vri. '^"^ statt. it IS very explicit, and perfectly ac-
'[^^^^^^ cordant with the principles of mobility and sub-
July.
sistence.
Dear sir,
Si^y'?o'gel!e!^' Thc officcr who was sent to examine the
ramDonog- ,.q^^ ^^ Majados and Tallaymella, has reported,
i6ihri809."^ t^^^ it will answer for artillery, so that, in conse-
quence of your letter of the 14th, we shall march
by it. My head-quarters will be on the 18th at
Majados, on the l^th at Continello, and on the
20th at Oropesa. I am sorry to say that we shall
march but ill provided with many articles which
we require, owing to the deficiency of the means
of transport in our possession; and this country
is either unable or unwilling to supply them.
I have sent a commissary to Gata and Ciudad
Rodrigo, but he has not been able to procure one
mule, and I fear that he will not be more success-
ful at Bejar, as there appears a general disinclination
to give that assistance to the army, which every
army require, more particularly in a country un-
provided with magazines or strong places.
Nothing shall prevent me from carrying into ex-
ecution the arrangements which I settled with
general Cuesta, when I had the pleasure of seeing
him, although to do so will be attended with the
greatest inconvenience, on account of the deli-
UNDER LOUD WELLINGTON. 389
BO O K IV.
CHAP. VII.
ciency of the means of transport, which I then
hoped that this country and Ciudad Rodrigo ^^^^
would have afforded ; but I think it but justice to July-
Sir Arthur Wel-
the armv, under mv command, and to his majesty, lesiey to gene-
•^ ' -^ ■ ral O'Donog-
to determine, that I will undertake no new ope- hue.
ration till I shall have been supplied with the
means of transport, which the army requires, and
but fair and candid towards general Cuesta, to
announce to him this determination at the earliest
moment. The British army does not require much
assistance of this description. None for the bag-
gage of individuals, and what is wanted is to be
applied solely to the transports of provisions, am-
munition, money, and medical stores.
All countries in which an army is acting are
obliged to supply these means ; and, if the people
of Spain are unable or unwilling to supply what
the army requires, I am afraid that they must do
without its services.
I shall be obliged to you if you will lay this
letter before general Cuesta, for his information,
and tell him that I send a copy of it to Mr. Frere,
for the information of the government. I beg
you, at the same time, to inform general Cuesta,
that I am convinced that Don Lozano de lares, as
well as colonel O'Lowler, have done every thing
in their power to procure for the artny the means
of transport which we have required.
(Signed) Arthur Welles ley.
390 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
Enclosed communications to the Spanish gene-
ral, sir Arthur Welleslev Avrites to the British
1809. '
'^"'y- minister with a momentary strength of feeling,
which it were to he wished had not been expressed.
My dear sir,
sirA.Weiiesiey I cnclosc a letter which I have written to
July 16, 1809. major-general O'Donoghue, which I beg you to
communicate to the government.
It is impossible for me to express to you the in-
convenience and risk which we incur from the
want of means of conveyance, which I cannot be-
lieve that the country could not furnish if there
existed any inclination to furnish them.
I cannot but observe, however, that although to
me personally there has been much civility from all
classes of the inhabitants since I came into Spain,
this has not been the case with the army in general;
the officers complain, and I believe not without
reason.
The country gives unwillingly the supplies of
provision we have required, and I have been
obliged to promise that they shall be replaced from
our stores in Portugal ; and we have not procured
a cart or nude for the service of the army.
This does not look promising, and I certainly
will not persevere if our prospect of good treatment
does not improve.
(Signed) Arthur Welles ley.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 391
B O 0 K IV.
CHAP. VII.
P. S. We really should not be worse off in an
enemy's country, or indeed so ill, as we should ^^^^
take by force what we should require. -^"'y*
There is one thing to be tajcen into consideration
from this postscript ; Spain at this moment could
scarcely, even to its own troops, be regarded any
otherwise than as a country inimical to any thing
that should tend to drain it further in its im-
poverished state : and this without taking into the
account the local influences, from various circum-
stances, unfavourable to the war.
The enclosed communication rather approaches
to a similar tone.
I am sorry to say (says sir Arthur to general f^^,^^,-™fJ3
O'Donoghue,) that we shall march but ill provided g^.^g'J^iy
with many articles which we require, owing to the ^^^' ^^°^
deficiency of the means ot transport in our pos-
session, and tliis country is either unable or un-
willing to supply them. I have sent a commissary
to Gata and Ciudad Rodrigo, but he has not been
able to procure one mule, and I fear that he will
not be more successful at Bejar, as there appears a
general disinclination to give that assistance to the
army which every army requires, more particularly
in a country unprovided with magazines or strong-
places. Nothing shall prevent me from carrying
392 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. into execution the arransfements which I settled
CHAP. VII. ~
'^-""v-'*-^ with general Cuesta when I had the pleasure of
1809. ^ ° ^
Ji'y- seeing him, although to do so will he attended
SirA.Wellesley . , i
to major-general With the gicatest niconvcnience, on account of the
deficiency of the means of transport, which I then
hoped that this country and Cuidad Rodrigo would
have afforded ; but I think it but justice to the
army under my command, and to his majesty, to
determine I will undertake no new operation till I
shall have been supplied with the means of trans-
port which the army requires, and but fair and
candid towards general Cuesta to announce to him
this determination at the earliest moment.
The British army does not require much as-
sistance of this description, none for the bag-
gage of individuals ; and what is wanted is
to be applied solely to the transport of pro-
visions, ammunition, money, and medical stores.
All countries in which an army is acting are obliged
to supply these means, and if the people of Spain
are unable or unwilling to supply what the army
requires, I am afraid they must do without its ser-
vices.
I shall be obhged to you if you will lay this letter
before general Cuesta for his information ; and tell
him that 1 send a copy of it to Mr. Frere, for the
information of the government. I beg you at the
same time, to inform general Cuesta, that I am
convinced-monsieur Sagana de Torres, and colonel
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 393
O'Lawler, have done every thing; in their power to book iv.
' J O r CHAP. VII.
procure for the army the means of transport whiqh ^"""OT*^
we have required. -^"'y-
If it were not from a previous knowledge of the
superior activity of the British general, there is a
querulousness in these letters which would threaten
something of the indecision and despairing temper
which had been manifested with such disadvantage
in a former campaign. It was, however, to be
otherwise accounted for, by the certainty of an ap-
proaching engagement, under circumstances but
little promising.
I asked Cuesta (observes the e'eneral on the next sirA.wdiesiey
^ "^ to marshal Be-
day) to secure for me the passes of Banos and pfg'^gj;;^ j„j
Perales, and he has occupied the former, but he has ^'^' '^^^^'
left the latter to be occupied by the duke del
Parque. I wish that you would send somebody to
see how the pass is occupied, and that, at all events,
you will have an eye to that pass ; it will make me
quite secure, and will render me the greatest ser-
vice that, in their present situation, the Portuguese
troops could render. I do not think that the
French would like to venture through that pass in
the present situation of affiiirs.
The bridges of Alcantara and Almaraz being im-
passable, they would be in a cul de sac, and would
394* CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. have no exit, exceptins: tbrout'h a desert on the
CHAP. VII. ' 1 O O
v.^i-v'-*^ frontiers of Portuoal.
1809. • ^
July-
Whatever momentary doubts might have been
excited upon the subject of sir Arthur's complaints,
they were quickly dispelled by his vigilance and
activity.
The following account of it is preferred, in the
despatches of Mr. Frere.
Right hon.j.H. lu auswcr to the letter, the copy of which was
Frcrc to IVlr. sc*
cretaryCanning. transmitted in my No. 85, by the last messenger;
Seville,July 19, • , i i i • i • i • * i
1809. I have received the enclosed, ni which sir Arthur
states, that he had agreed with general Cuesta to
make an united attack with the British and vSpanish
troops, on the enemy's posts on the Albuche ; that
at the same time he had proposed the plan of de-
taching a large corps in the direction of Avilla and
Segovia, to which general Cuesta objected, upon
the scale that was proposed of 10,000 men, but
had agreed to furnish sir Robert Wilson with two
battalions of infantry, and some cavalry, in addition
to his Portuguese brigade, which corps was to
march upon Escalona, on the Albesch6, in com-
munication with the left of the British army ; and
that Venegas, after driving back Sebastiani's
corps, which is the only one now opposed to him,
should cross the Tagus, at Aranjucz, or Fuente
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 395
Duenas, in order to threaten Madrid, on the ^^^P„^„J7-
enemy's left.
CHAP. VII.
The arrangements above-mentioned were settled J^iy-
\ 1 • Air Frcrc to
by the mtervention of general O'Donoghue. kr.' secretarj
By a letter just received, dated the l6th, from
general Cuesta, it appears that nothing of any im-
portance had passed, but that a small party of the
enemy who had pushed forward on the left bank
of the Tagus, from the bridge of Talavera, had
been driven back again by the duke of Alburquer-
que's corps, andpursued as far as the bridge.
General Vanegas writes on the l6th, from St.
Cruz de Mudela, whither his head-quarters had
been transfered from Santa Elena, that he proposed
the next day to advance them to Manzanaus, and
to make an attack upon a detachment of the
enemy, at Villambia, if they should still remain in
that position ; after which, he proposed to advance
upon Consuegra and Madrilejos.
I enclose a report from that general, of the 1 4th,
by which it should appear that Joseph Buonaparte
was expected at Madrid, on the 12th, with 4,000
men, who were expected to return with further re-
inforcements from that town ; other troops were
expected there who would relieve the garrison.
The enclosed letter from the duque del Parque,
at Ciudad Rodrigo, and which is dated the 10th,
makes no mention of the appearance of marshal
c
anmng
>96 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
Soult's forces, but only states, that the French ap-
peared to be on the point of evacuating Sala-
1809.
^^^^y- manca.
Mr. Frere to t • • i i
Mr. secretary It IS saicl, howcver, that thcv expected the arrival
Canning.
of 5, 000 men, of whom 400 had already arrived
when despatches were received, in consequence of
which the evacuation of the town was ordered.
What is said of the return of the troops that
were on their way thither, if understood correctly,
should seem to imply, that they could not belong
to the army of Soult, which could not, under any
circumstances, be expected to make a purely re-
trograde movement, as their way, even to France,
would not be through Zamora. It appears, how-
ever, that the duke is on his guard, and aware of
the necessity of keeping a good look out, and con-
veying immediate advices to sk Arthur Wellesley
and general Cuesta, of the advance of any of the
enemy's force in their direction.
The despatch is thus continued :
By the account received this evening from ge-
neral Cuesta, and dated the 20th, from Calzada de
Oropesa, it appears that the English vanguard,
followed by the rest of the army, had that day
entered the town of Oropesa, general Cuesta pro-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON; ^ 397
posed to pass the night in that town, and proceed ^H^*J^yf7*
to' Pelavonegas the' tiext day. ^^^09^^
The Enghsh troops, who were fatiejued with two J"'y-
° ^ ° Mr.Frereto
long days inarch, were to rest the 21st, at Oropesa, Mr. secretary
*= -^ ' ' ' Canning.
and, on the 22d, they were to move forward to the
neighbourhood of Talavera, in conjunction with
the Spaniards.
The general opinion here seems to be, that the
French will not wait for an attack ; and the confi-
dential reports state, that they are sending forward
their heavy baggage, and even a part of their ar-
tillery, to Madrid.
On the evening of the 19th, I received the en-
closed letter from sir Arthur Wellesley, and, on
going to the junta the next morning, I was agree-
ably surprised to find that they had already taken
measures to remedy, as expeditiously as possible,
the want of carriage which was complained of in
that letter which I had to communicate, and of
which, the enclosure to colonel O'Donosrhue had ini>«c=:
been already transmitted by general Cuesta. Four
officers had been appointed, and were to set off
this morning with 30 men each, and with orders to
put in requisition one-third of the mules and other
animals on this side Santa Ollala, and two-thirds
in all the country beyond, with which they were
to proceed to the British camp.
MOSi
39^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^^^^n^' From a correspondent, whose accounts have ge-
^^-"'-^v'-'''^ nerallv proved correct, and who writes from the
1609. " • '
J^^y- mountains, in the neighbourhood of Toledo, it ap-
Mr. Frere to i t^ i i i • i
Mr. secretary pcars that the Frcuch had 4,000 men in tha*: town,
Canning. .... it.j- -^ti-i-
1,000 m Aispm and Mara, and 4;000 m ivladrilejos.
General Vanegas had advanced successively
from Santa Cruz, to Valdepanas and Manzanares,
and writes, on the 20th, from Membrilla, from
whence the army was to move upon Villambia,
ViJlarta, and Arenas.
I send enclosed the reports from general Va-
negas and Cuesta, of the 18th and 19th.
From these correct transcripts of the state of the
allied war, attention is naturally turned to the re-
ports of the army in alliance, though not very
])articular.
General Cuesta Most excclleut sir, says gcucral Cuesta to the
to Mr. Cornel o • i i • i i
CasasdeiPiier- ppanish secrctary-at-war, nothing has occurred at
1809. ' our advanced guards to-day : all the troops in this
camp passed the Tagus this morning, and will take
up their quarters to-night in the neighbourhood of
Almaraz, in order to proceed to-morrow to Naval
Moral, to which place I shall remove my head-
quarters. The English army is to-night on my
left, at Majada, and will advance to-morrow to
UNDER LORD WELLI NGTOIST. 399
Continello. On the 21st, the troops which are at book iv.
* CHAP. VII.
the brifJoe of Arzobispo will march to Calzada : mv '^— •-v'^*^
, 1809.
army has commenced this march without barley, J^'y-
, . , , . . r- 1 1 1 General Cuesta
and with only provisions tor the day ; the measures toMr.Comei.
I adopted, and the steps taken by the commissary
to procure them, not having met with the desired
effect.
I leave a detachment at the bridge, in order to
guard and protect it ; it may serve during the sum-
mer, that is to say, until the end of September, and
beginning of October, at which time the rains
commence, against which it will not be able to re-
sist, and this communication, so necessary to us,
will be cut off". In order to avoid this evil, I wrote
immediately on its being established to the pro-
visional junta of Estremadura, pointing out to them
the necessity of repairing the carriage-road from
Truxillo to the bridge of Arzobispo, the only cer-
tain communication ; but I do not perceive that
•they have hitherto taken any steps to effect it ;
and the point is so interesting as to merit the
consideration of the supreme junta of the king-
dom.
(Sio-ned) Greg, de la Cuesta.
'O*
I'iThe same general continues to state as follows
to the Spanish secrctary-at-war. '' '^1'^
400
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
1809.
July.
I have arrived at the head-quarters of Naval
Moral, with all the army from Almaraz, which is
encamped in this neighbourhood. To-morrow I
proceed to La Calzada de Oropesa. The English
are to-night at Centinello, two leagues on my left,
and will march to-morrow to Oropesa.
General Vanc-
gas to M. de
Cornel.
Santa Cruz de
Mudela, July
18, 1809.
To the same effect were the communications of
general Vanegas, of which the first states as foU;
lows :
Mos t ex cellent si r,
Being persuaded that the enemy, in con-
sequence of what passed yesterday with their
vanguard, would endeavour to reconnoitre Day-
miel, I ordered brigadier- general don Luis Lascy
to advance his cavalry, and surprise them if pos-
sible : he did so, advancing an hour before day-break
with his whole division, in order to render the
blow more certain ; but, having remained in this
position until nine, he received advice of the
enemy's having quited Villarmbia,and retired to-
wards the Vintas de Puerto Lapiu ; and perceiving
that a detachment of from 60 to 80 of those re-
mained as a rear guard, he ordered lieutenant-col.
Ghana to pursue ihem, and annoy them if he could
get up with them, while Lascy remained to ascertain
UNDEH LORD WELLINGTON. 401
BOOK IV.
CHAP. vn.
the true rout of the enemy, who said, in Villarmhia,
that they were going to take up a position where ^^^^
they should wait for us. "^"^y-
General Vane-
Conceiving that thev are goins; to retu'e, I have gastoivt.de
° J o o Cornel.
ordered that the regiment of horse-grenadiers of
Ferdinand III. and the squadron of Lancemen of
Ulera, with two pieces of horse-artillery, to advance
immediately to La Membrilla, under the orders of
major-general the viscount Zolina, and at day-break
I shall set out with the 4th division for Valdepenas,
and I shall take the necessary measures according
to the intelligence I shall receive to pursue them ;
advancing, perhaps, all the cavalry and horse-
artillery, and following as soon as possible with the
divisions of infantry.
(Signed) Francisco Vanegas,
The second of these communications is also as
follows :
Most excellent sir,
By the courier, who arrived at these General Vane-
gas to M. de
head-quarters this morning, I have received the Comei.
Valdepenas,
royal order of the 17th instant, communicated to Juiyi9, 1809.
me by your excellency ; and desiring me to ad-
vance as far as Madrilegos, but not to proceed far-
ther without positive intelHgence of the advance of
the general-in-chief, with whom I am to com-
VOL. IV. D d
402 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CII Ay. VIII.
1809.
municate as frequently as possible, and to be
certain first, that the enemy have not increased in
J"'^' number, whereby I should be exposed to a dan-
General Vane-
gas toM.de gerous retreat before I could take up any position
favourable to a defence ; always understanding that
as well in order to advance to Madrilegos, as for
any subsequent movement, I am to be guided by
circumstances, in all my operations ; all which I
shall punctually comply with ; and whilst I am
acquiring, in every possible way, certain intelligence
of the true intentions of the enemy.
The fourth division will set out at midnio-ht for
Membrilla, to which place I shall remove my head-
quarters, placing myself in a line with the other
divisions, in order that I may be able to issue to
them the necessary orders without the least delay.
The fifth division, commanded by major-general
don Thomas Lorain, which is at Corral de Casa-
quel, I have directed to advance to Ciudad Real, in
order to cover our left flank, pushing on l^is ad-
vanced parties to the passes of Quente del Qresm
and Malagon.
(Signed) Francisco Vanegas.
Such is the final state of the preparations for the
conjunct operations of the allies, which was.con-
firmed by a fact of high importance, as evincing a
new decree of confidence on their part, and a new
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 403
bond of union between the allied armies. In a des- ^,^,^/^,^,^,;
patch of Mr. Canning, he acquaints the minister, '^^^^^^^
that the Spanish minister at Lisbon has applied j^j^, J^"'y;^y
to Mr. Vellius, in consequence (as he represents) ^^^fll'^^^'-
of orders from his government for the assistance J;f^'f9;'So9.
of the British naval force in the Tagus, with such
additions as may be necessary for bringing away
the Spanish ships of war in the harbour of Ferrol,
and transfering them to Cadiz, in order to remove
them out of the reach of the danger of a second
occupation of Galhcia by the French.
This application was received here the day be-
fore yesterday, and not a moment was lost in
sending out directions to admiral Berkley, and to
captain Hotham, who commands the squadron of
his majesty's ships off Corunna, to aiford every as-
sistance in their power to the accomplishment of
an object so important to both countries. Any
additional means that may be necessary for equiping
the ships will be furnished from hence, the moment
that the extent of the wants of the Spanish ar-
senals is known.
The prudence of the precautions adopted by the
Spanish government, in this instance, cannot be
too much commended.
It is a satisfaction to his majesty to have been
called upon to fulfil the obligation of the first ad-
Dd2
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VII.
1809.
404 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
ditional article of the treaty, of January ; and he
trusts that the promptness of the compliance on this
-^"^^y- occasion will encourage a similar resort to British
assistance on any future emergency of the same
nature.
I am, &c.
(Signed) George Canning.
As was natural, this led to new demonstrations of
attachment, particularly on the part of the intel-
ligent officers attached to the Spanish government ;
of whom the utility was no less evident in the
communication of whatever of interest was ad-
vanced hy the Spanish general- in-chief in relation
to the circumstances and conjoint operations of the
armies.
General o'Don- This is eviuccd bv a notc of oreneral O'Donoffhue,
oghue to lieut.- , . '' o © »
general sir Ar- in which hc savs, " I shall do myself the honour
thur Wellesley, .
K- B. of showing to you to-morrow what general Cuesta
J^JJl J"'j' has represented to government, in consequence of
i2o'ciock,p.M. your well-grounded complaints of the people of
the country being unable or unwilling to procure
the necessary transports of the army under your
command ;" and there are several of a similar ten-
dency in the papers presentedto parliament.
This approximation, with other circumstances
which belong not to military affairs, seems to have
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 405
directed the views of the British cabinet, on the ^ch^v^^]!.'
mission of the marquis Wellesley, to a more effi- ^*"*i809^^
cient prosecution of the campaign; and also to ^"^^
that necessary object of it, a cliief command of the
alhed armies, of which the advantage had before
been lost.
On these subiects, addressing himself to the Mr- secretary
*} ' O Canning to the
marquis Wellesley, Mr. Canning thus observes : — S?*"'* ^^*^'
Your excellency will, without exciting any Jso^."^"'^'
expectation of any immediate reinforcement of
the British army in the peninsula, endeavour to
ascertain on what footing a British army would
be received in the interior of Spain, and whe-
ther there would be any disposition to conjide
the chief' command of the Spanish forces to
the commander-in-chief of a British auxiliary
army ?
The accounts which have been received here
of the dispersion of general Blake's corps, and
of the consequent resignation of that officer; of
the intended recal of the marquis de la Romana,
and of the jealousy entertained by the junta
with respect to the designs of general Cuesta,
appear to leave no officer of great note, or pos-
sessing much confdence, in the way of such an ar-
rangement.
But your excellency will understand that you
406 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. 2j.g j^Qj. |. suggest, much less to solicit it; but
CHAP. VII. Oc9 ' '
^^-'''Txr*^ merely to receive and transmit home, for his ma-
1 509. ^
■f"'y- jesty's consideration, any solicitation or suggestion
which you may receive from the Spanish govern-
ment upon this subject."
So cautiously did his majesty's government feel
it imperiously necessary to act, in an operation,
which was the last that remained to attempt for
the salvation of Europe.
These are the operations which led to the battle
of Talavera, which, with all its relations and cir-
cumstances, form exclusively the subject of the
ensuing chapter.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 407
CHAP. VIII.
T-HE BATTLE OF TALAVERA.
Affair at the Spanish Outposts. — Arrangement of
the British and Spanish Generals. — Uneipected
Decampment of the French. — Situation of the.
British Army, as pourtrayed by its General^
i?ferior in Respect to Pi^ovision to that under
sir John Moore. — Details of the Spanish Ge-
nerals in advance. — Communications and Opi-
nions on the State of the British Army. — Me-
moir of sir Arthur fVellesley, and other Accounts
of the Action. — Immediately subsequent Opera-
tions.— Comparative Remarks between the Si"
tuation of the British General and that of sir
John Moore.
OF the battle of Tab vera, so much praised and bookiv,
blamed, and of the complicated circumstances by
which it was accompanied, it is not intended to juiy
ClfAP. VIII.
1809.
'i^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.
BOOK 17
CHAP. VIII.
form, in any respect, one regularly connected de-
^gpg tail, but to place before the military reader ; firstly,
^"'-y- those communications between the British general
and minister, with their own government and the
allies, and those of the allied commanders; se-
condly, the public memoirs of the commander
himself, of that striking affair; and, lastly, a
view of those comments which arose out of the
most material facts. In this arrangement will be
included such new facts as the present writer was
enabled to collect from the spot, and which he
deemed of sufficient interest and importance for
insertion.
That no action was ever more critical or peculiar
than the battle of Talavera must be acknowledged
by every one, in all its circumstances and rela-
tions.
Whoever has perused the facts of the preceding
books will not weigh what was contemplated, or
what was effected by the ordinary scale of military
projects or results. It will be there seen how both
the political management and the military opera-
tions of the war were cramped and disjointed by
circumstances, over which no acumen of diplo-
matic skill, no judgment in the art of war, had
control, but which form a new, and let it be said
glorious, incident in the history, both of the one
and the other.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 40^
The following; details of the Spanish seneral, bookiv.
<=* ^ ^ ' l CHAP. VIII.
Cuesta, very naturally introduce the commence- ^^-^-v^-^
meiit of the action, in a letter to the war-minister J^'y-
of his government.
Most excellent Sir, (says he, on the 22d,) this <^*^"f ^j Cuesta
' ^ J ' ' '' to M. de Cor-
morning early the enemy appeared in force at JtLveradeia
our vanguard, posted in the village of Gamonal, f^f^^'^QQ^
apparently with the intention of attacking it, and
commenced a brisk fire upon our outposts,
which was kept up for a considerable time. Our
troops advanced to support the vanguard, and
charged the enemy with such spirit that he com-
menced his retreat with precipitancy, and they
entered together into Talavera, our people pur-
suing them to the banks of Alberch6, with con-
siderable loss on their part ; and some were killed
and wounded on ours, the numbers of which I
cannot yet state to your excellency. While the
vanguard, under the command of brigadier-general
Don Jose de Zaysy, was thus defeating and pur-
suing the enemy, the vanguard and English army,
which last night quitted Oropez, arrived, and
passing through Talavera, advanced as far as the
Alberch^, taking post on the left of the road, in
which position they will remain to-night. One
army, formed into columns, marched hkewise
through the town in the midst of the acclamations
410. CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. of the iiiliubitants, and will pass the nio'ht on the
CHAF. VIII. ' 1 ~
^''^^*^/^'"*^ road leading to the biidoe of the Alberch^, where
1809. * '^ '
Ju'y- the enemy have fortified themselves with some
General Cuesta . ^ .„ rp - i ii i
to M. deCor- picces ot artillery, io-morrow we shall endeavour
to dislodge them, if they do not decamp to-
irig'ht.
On seeing the brilliant English army pass this
morning, our troops were filled with valour and
enthusiasm, and evince an ardent desire to attack,
although they are overcome with fatigue.
(Signed) Greg, de la Cuesta»
On the following day he adds : —
Translation of a 1 havc spcut tliis mornin2* with e'eneral
letter from ge- ^ ■ ' _ _ _
iierai Cuesia to Wclleslev', rcconnoitrino' the position of the enemy,
M. de Cornel. ■" . ,
Talaveradeia wllO haS COllcctcd all llis forCCS OU thc OppOSltC
Reyiia, 23d ^ ^ '^ ^
July, 1809. shore of the river Alberch6, determined to defend
the passage. We are, however, resolved to at-
tack him to-morrow, at tlay-break ; and I have
this evening detached my 5th division, with 300
horse, to the ford at Cardial, distant three leagues
from the bridge, where they are to ))ass the river
to-morrow^ at the dawn of day, and attack the
enemy ou his right flank, while the English and
Spaniards pass at the difl'erent. fords, and attack
the whole in front. The enemy's position is rather
strong, but is accessible; and the impossibility of
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 411
iinding provisions for both armies here has deter- ^^f^^^^.^^^;
mined us to make the attack. ""^""XT"^
i809.
I have just received advice, that an overflow of J"'y-
1 . A 1 Simplicity of
the Tagus has rendered the pontoon bridge at Al- engineeriug
opei ations of
maraz useless for some days, and I have given tiv Spanish se-
cretary-at-war.
orders tliat they shall replace it as soon as the
waters descend. The arch of the stone bridge, TrujarCs bridge,
which was blown up, is, irom one pile to the (,see««te, 292.^
other, 120 feet wide, which renders it impossible
to lay planks across it, as your excellency pro-
poses.
(Signed) Greg, de la Cuesta.
And, on the next day, the important day, as were
to have been conceived, general Cuesta thus de-
tails ; —
Most excellent sir,
This morning, when the allied armies ap- Great simpH-
proached the river Alberche, in order to attack the nls"h general on
. . the decamp-
French, we were surprised to discover that they mentofthe
had decamped wit!i all possible silence and prompt- Translation of
a letter from
ness. We have pursued them by different routes general Cuesta
* "^ to Mde Cornel.
during the whole morning', and with difTficulty Head-quirters.
^ ^^ J del Bravo. 24th
have our advanced parties been able to come up J"'y» ^^^^
with them. It is' now one, P.M. and I am just
arrived at this village, (ael Bravo,) which I find
entirely deserted ; and 1 have received notice, that
412 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
cfA^.^iu? ^ ^^^^ hours ago there was still a French division in
^^^^'^^^"'^ Santa Olalla, distant two leagues. We are un-
"^"^y- certain which is the exact route they have taken,
Great simplicity
of the Spanish and whether it is to Toledo or to Madrid, as my
generals. *'
troops passed the whole of last night under arms,
and have marched five leagues to-day, I cannot
advance more. The divisions and the vanguard
are in Cabolla, and the reserve and a division of
cavalry are with me. The English army is in Ca-
polegas and St. Roman ; and its vanguard and my
outposts are at St. Olagu.
(Signed) Greg, de la Cuesta.
These simple details, however, give way to the
more important and eloquent despatches of the
British general, which had to commence a picture,
unfortunately, in some respects, similar to those
depicted by sir John Moore.
My lord,
Lieut.-gcnerai Accordiug to the arrangements which I
lesiey to lord had scttlcd witli general Cuesta, the army broke
viscount Castle- n -nt • i i i u •
reagh. up frotti Placcntia on the 17tn and 18tn instant,
Heyna, 24th and rcachcd Oropesa on the 20th, where it formed
July, 1609.
a junction with the Spanish army under his com-
mand. Sir Robert Wilson had marched from the
Vinta de Baragon, on the Tietar, with the Lusi-
tanian Legion, a battalion of Portuguese Chas-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 41^
seurs, and two Spanish battalions, on the 15th; book iv.
r ' ' CHAP. VIII.
he arrived at Arenas on the 19 th, and on the Al- ^^^^^^^^^
berche, at Escalona, on the 23d. J"'^-
r^ 111 Sir Arthur Wei*
ueneral Vanegas had also been directed to break Jesiey to lord
Castlereagh.
up from Madrilegos on the iSth and l^th, and to
march by Trenbleque and Orana, to Fuente Dii-
enas, on the Tagus, where that river it crossed by
a ford, and thence to Arganda, where he was to
arrive on the 22d and 23d.
On the 22d, the combined armies moved from
Oropesa, and the advanced guards attacked the
enemy's outposts at Talavera. Their right was
turned by the 1st Hussars and the 23d Light Dra-
goons, under general Anson, directed by lieut.-
general Payne, and by the division of mfantry
under the command of major-general Mackenzie ;
and they were driven in by the Spanish advanced
guard, under the command of general Sargus and
the Due D'Albuquerque.
We lost eleven horses by the fire of the cannon
from the enemy's position on the Alberch6, and
the Spaniards had some men wounded.
The columns were formed for the attack of this
position yesterday ; but the attack was postponed
till this morning, by the desire of general Cuesta,
when the different corps, destined for the attack,
were put in motion ; but the enemy had retired at
about one o'clock in the morning to St. Olalla, and
414 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
thence towards Torrijos, I conclude, to form a
junction with the corps under general Sebastiani.
I have not l)een able to follow the enemy as I
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
C:istiereagh.
1809.
July.
Sir Arthur Wel-
ksieytoiord could wish, ott account of the "reat deficiency in
the means of transports with ^his army, owing to
my having found ii impossible to procure even one
mule or cart in Spain. I inclose the copy of a
letter, which I thought it proper to address upon
this subject to major-general O'Donoghue, the
adjutant-general of the Spanish army, as soon as
I found that this country would furnish no means
of this description ; and I have since informed ge-
neral Cuesta that I should consider the removal of
the enemy, from his position on the Alberch^, as a
complete performance on my part of the engage-
ment into which I had entered with him in his
camp on the 31th instant, as that operation, if
advantage was duly taken of it, would give him
the possession of the course of the Tagus, and
would open his communication with La Mancha
and v/ith Vanegas.
Witliin these two days I have had still more
reason for adhering to my determination to enter
upon no new operation, but- rather to halt, and
even to return to Portugal, if I should not be sup-
plied as I ought ; as, notwithstanding that his
majesty's troops have been engaged in very active
operations, the success of which depended no less
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 415
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
upon their bravery and exertions than upon the
example tliey should hold out, and the countenance ^^^^
thev should sive to the Spanish troops ; they have J"'y-
^ ^ / *' Sir Arthur Wel-
been in actual want of provisions for the last two lesieytoiord
* _ _ Castlereagh,
days ; and even if I could have been willing, under
such circumstances, to continue my co-operations
with general Cuesta, I am unable to do so with
any justice to my troops.
General Cuesta is, I believe, fully sensible of
the propriety of my determination ; and, I under-
stand, that he has urged the central junta to adopt
vigorous measures to have our wants supplied. It
is certain that, at the present moment, the people
of this part of Spain are either unwilling or un-
able to supply them, and in either case, and till I
am supplied, I do not think it proper ; and, in-
deed, I cannot continue my operations in Spain.
I ought probably to have stipulated, that I
should be supplied with the necessary means of
transports before the army entered Spain. I did
require and adopt the measures necessary to pro-
cure those means, which I conceived would have
answered, considering the large supplies of the iii effects of the
same kind which tiie army, under the command of due regulations
L 7 • T I T r of sir John
the late sir John Moore, procured ; and as I could Moore,
not engage to enter upon any operation in Spain,
which should not be consistent with the defence
of Portugal, I did not think it proper to make
415
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
1809.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
any stipulations for the advantage of the troops,
which stipulations, after all, did not appear to be
^"'^- necessary, in order to enable me to procure what
Sir Arthur Wel- "^ *
lesleytolord I wanted.
Castlereagh.
I have great hopes, however, that, before long,
I shall be supplied from Andalusia and La Man-
cha, with the means which I require, and I shall
then resume the active operations which I have
been compelled to relinquish.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) Arthur Welleslet.
Nothing can be more interesting than to add to
the preceding document of the British general to
his government at home, that addressed to the
minister abroad : —
My dear sir,
fesi^'?o"aiI^^' I conclude that general Cuesta apprised
Talavera 24th ^^^^ govemmeut of thc succcss of the first opera-
July, 1809. J.JQJ-J q£- |.]^g combined armies. We intended to
attack the enemy this morning at day-light, in his
position on the Alberch6, and all the arrangements
were made, and the columns formed for that pur-
pose ; but the enemy retired towards Santa Olalla
in the course of last night. General Cuesta has
since marched towards Cebolla, and I do not know
whether he intends to halt there, or what are to
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 417
be his future operations. I have been obliged to ®^^^^,^,J^*
intimate to him, since my arrival here, that I ^""^^^^^^^
should consider that I had performed the engage- J^'y-
^ T T, 1 1 Sir Arthur Wei-
ment which I had made to him, as soon as 1 should lesiey to Mr.
Frere.
have removed the enemy from the Alberche, and
should thereby have given him possession of the
course of the Tagus, and should have laid open to
him the communication with La Mancha, and with
general Vanegas's corps ; and that I could attempt
no farther operations till I should be made certain of
my supplies, by being furnished with proper means
of transports, and the requisite provisions from
the countrv. This intimation has become still
more necessary within the last two days, in which
I am concerned to say, that, although my troops
have been in forced marches, engaged in operations
with the enemy, the success of which, 1 must
say, depended upon them, they have had nothing to
eat, while the Spanish army had plenty, notwith-
standing that I have returns of engagements made
by the Alcaldes of villages, or the Vua de Pla-
centia, to furnish this army before the SQth of this
month, with 250,000 rations.
I certainly lament the necessity which obliges
me to halt at present, and will obi.ge me to with-
draw from Spain, if it should continue. There is
no man who does not acknowledge, even general
Cuesta himself acknowledges, the propriety of my
VOL. IV. EC
4l8 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^ba'^.*Uk* Conduct, in halting now or in withdrawing eventu-
^^""'^^^^^'^^ ally ; and I can only say that 1 have never seen
July- one so ill treated in any country, or, considering
Sir Arthur Wel- , . . i-,,
lesiey toMr. that all dcpcnds upon its operations, one winch de-
Frere. .
served good treatment so much. It is ridiculous
to pretend, that the country cannot supply our
wants. The French army is well fed, the horses
of the cavalry in excellent condition, and the
soldiers who are taken in good health, and well
supplied with bread, of M'hich indeed they left a
small magazine behind them. This is a rich coun-
try in corn, in comparison with Portugal; and yet,
during the whole of my operations in that country,
we never wanted bread, but in one day on the
frontiers of Galicia. In the Vua de Placentia,
there are means to supply this army for four months,
as i am informed, and yet the Alcaldes have not
performed their engagements with me. The Spa-
nish army has plenty of every thing ; and we
alone, upon whom every thing depends, are really
starving. I am aware of the important conse-
quences which will attend the step I shall take in
withdrawing from Spain. It is certain that the
people of England will never bear of another army
entering Spain, after they will have received the
accounts of the treatment we have met with ; and
it is equally certain that, without the assistance,
the example, and the countenance of a British
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
419
BOOK IV.
CHAP. vifr.
army, the Spanish armies, however brave, will
never effect their object. But no man can see ^^^^ ,
his army perish, by want, without feeHnsr for them ; ^. "^"'^•
-^ r ^ ' J J & Sir Arthur Wel
and most paiticuMrly must he feel for them, when >^*iey to Mr.
he knows that tliey have been brought into the
country in which this want is felt by his own *ets,
and on his own responsibility, and not by ojders
from any superior authority.
I shall be obliged to you if you will make known
to the government my sentiments upon this sub-
ject. I have reason to believe that the enemy are
in full march towards Madrid : they had their rear
guard in St. Olalla this day, and I have just heard
that general Cuesta was marching to that place
instead of to Ceballo. I am only afraid that he
will get himself into a scrape ; any movement by
me to his assistance is quite out of the question.
I advised him to secure his communications with
Vanegas, and the course of the Tagus, whiLe
measures should be taken to supply the British
army with means of transports. If the enemy
should observe that we are not with hiqi, h/? will
l)e beat or must retire; and, in either case, he
may lose all the advantages which might have been
derived by our joint operations, and much valuable
time, by his eager desire to enter Madrid on an
early day. The enemy will make this discovery
E e 2
420 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. ^i^ig (jg^y^ jf Cuesta should make any attempt upon
^^■^^\^^>^ the rear guard at Santa Olalla.
1809. o
J"'y- Believe me, kc.
Arthur Wellesley.
Series of Cu- Ou the topic of thc advances toward a general
battle. General Cuesta's details thus continue : —
Most excellent sir,
Translation of a After I had annouuced to you ycsterdav
letter from ge- , . *
nerai Cuesta to evening" mv arrival in El Bravo, I continued my
M. Cornel. in J J
St. oiaiia, 25th march to St. Olalla with the reserve, and the di-
July, 1809.
visions of cavalry, and found already there the 1st
and 2d of infantry, and the vanguard. The
enemy was in Alcabon, distant one league, and in
Torrigos, distant two ; but, in the course of the
night, he decamped towards Toledo, having pre-
viously pillaged both these villages. My light
parties, who never lose sight of them, avail them-
selves of their carelessness and fatigue, to annoy
them. My troops having yesterday marched seven
leagues; after passing the whole day and night
under arms, obliges me to remain here until the
evening ; and also to give the English army, which
is in Casalejas and St. Romana, and very short of
provisions and means of conveyance, time to come
up with me.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
421
B O O K IV.
CHAP. VIII.
The enemy exclaim, that they are going to
await us in the plains of Toledo ; but I neither ^g^^
believe nor expect it. I know nothing of Madrid, "^"'^-
* Trauslatioa of a
nor of oeneral Vanesras, who, if he has followed letter from ge-
<=> to 5 » . neral Cuesta.
my instructions, will throw fresh embarrassments
in the way of the enemy's flight. I am assured
there are scarcely any troops in Toledo ; nor have
I any news of Sebastiani, who, I imagine, will
join with Victor, and continue their retreat by
Aranjuez. •
(Signed) Greg, de la Cuesta.
To this succeeds the following detail, on the
same day ; —
Most excellent sir,
I this morning announced to your ex- Translation of a
letter from ge-
cellency my arrival at St. Olalla, with part of the neraiCuMtato
•^ '^ ^ M. Cornel,
troops under my command, and that 1 proposed to st. oiaiia, 25th
give them a little rest, in order to continue my
pursuit of the enemy ; but I have since learnt that
the two armies of Victor, and Sebastiani, are as-
sembling in the neighbourhood of Toledo; that
Joseph Napoleon left Madrid three days ago, with
10,000 men, for Casalegas ; but that, on leaving
the retreat of general Victor, he turned from Na-
valcarnerio, towards Toledo, and arrived to-day at
Bergas, a village two leagues distant from that
^'^^ CAMPAIGNS I>r «PaIN A^XJ PORTUGAL,
BOOKrV. ,. r\ n r^ .. ^
CHAP. viri. c^ty. Uur outposts announce from Tornjos, that,
1809. *^'s evening, about 400 horse were approaching
TraJiatfonofa ^^^^ ^^^n, and that they proposcd to resist them,
nerd CuStf ' ^" ^^^^^ ^° sccurc that point.
General Wellesley, who, as I have already stated
to your excellency, remains on the banks of the
Alberch^, tells me that the scarcity of bread, and
means of conveyance, prevented him from joining
me so soon as he wished, but that he was making-
all possible efforts to effect it.
In consideration of all these circumstances, I
find myself obliged to act with more circumspec-
tion, and not to move from this until the arrival
of the English army ; as, according to the most
authentic advices I receive, the enemy will collect
about 48,000, and they propose to resist and at-
tack us; it would not, therefore, be right that
they should find us separated. If, therefore, my
suspicions, that they will endeavour to attack me,
should be confirmed, previous to the arrival of the
English, I shall think it better to retire and join
them, than to await the enemy with my force
alone.
In order, however, to avoid this retreat, I am
doing all in my power to persuade the English of
the necessity of their putting themselves in mo-
tion.
Greg, de la Cuesta.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
423
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
1^9.
O^ his out posts having been driven in, his van-
guard being engaged, and his change of position
towards the English army, is the following ac- ^"^^
count:
Most excellent sir,
I last night advised vour excellency of T^f"^'^^^"''^^
O J J letter from gen.
niy fears of being attacked in St. Olalla, the enemy comd'"^^"*^*
knowing that I was at five leagues distance from ACchT *jui
the English army. In effect, I this morning re- ^^^' ^^'^^'
ceived notice from the commandant of the van-
guard of the enemy, to the number of 5,000 horse,
and some columns of infantry, having entered
Torrigos, driving in our out-posts, and that he was
marching to meet them with the whole vanguard,
but that he required a reinforcement. I imme-
diately ordered the duke of Albuquerque to rein-
force him with his division, of upwards of 3,000
horse ; but on his arrival, the vanguard was already
losing ground, having sustained a considerable
shock, in which we lost an olficer of Calatrava, and
brigadier-general the baron de Armendaris, colonel
of the dragoons of Villaviciosa, besides some men,
the number of which I do not yet know. Our
artillery did great havock among the enemy. As
soon as the duke of Albuquerque arrived, he not
only checked the enemy, but, on the first charge, he
put them to flight, retreating afterwards in good
4^4 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
^^A^.^nl' order with the vanguard of brigadier-general Zayas,
^*^^^J^|*^ according to the instructions which I had given
*^"'^- them. While this was passins: at the van2:uard I
General Cuesta r o o
toM.de Cor- arranged the retreat of the army to this left bank
of the Alberche, in order to join the English, who
are on the opposite side with their vanguard, in
Casalejas, and in this position, with little variation,
I shall wait till the allied army be provided with
every thing necessary to enable us to advance to-
gether, as we have settled. I have great doubt of
the enemy's coming here to attack us ; the more so,
if the report be true, of their having detached
15,000 men towards Madrid, repenting of having
left that point so much uncovered.
(Signed) Greg, de la Cuesta.
General Cuesta's details thus proceed toward the
completion of the affiiir.
Sir,
Translation of a Tlic night beforc last I iufomied your
letter from gen.
CuestatoM.de excellencv, from the left bank of the Alberch^, of
Cornel. *^ '
Taia vera, July niv apprehcnsions of being; attacked by the force
28tb, 1809. J il . ^ .
which the enemy had collected in Toledo, if I re-
mained separated from the English.
This consideration made me repass the river
yesterday morning, and take up the position agreed
upon, with general Wellesley, both armies forming
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 'i-25
one line in front of Talavera. taking advantage of ^,^^p/^„\^'*
the palisades, and other advantages of the ground. '^^'^[^^^^^
We had scarcely formed our line in this position, J*''^-
•^ General Cue^ta
when, at five yesterday evening:, the enemy pre- toM. deCor-
sen ted themselves, as we judge, from 35 to 40,000
strong, of which 5,000 were cavalry, and imme-
diately attacked our line with the greatest obstinacy,
directing their principal force against the left, which
is occupied by the English, striving to turn their
left wing.
The attack and defence were equally obstinate ;
so much so as to come to the bayonet; but at length
the enemy were twice repulsed, with great loss in
killed and wounded : the action having lasted till
half past eight in the evening: the English have
likewise suffered, particularly in officers.
Our loss has not been considerable ; and, gene-
rally speaking, our troops behaved with gallantry
and firmness, except three or four corps, which
committed some faults, and of which I shall speak
more at leisure.
This morning, very early, the enemy renewed
their attack, which still continues, at seven in the
evening ; but they have been constantly repulsed,
and I hope they will continue to be so. Joseph
Napoleon was present till this evening, when we
know that he retired with his guard, towards Santa
^26 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
Olalla, and that 9S waggons of wounded passed
1809. ^^^ Alberch^ with him,
'^"'^" I have no room to enter into further particulars,
General Cuesta
toM.de Cor. havino' been for three days in the field of battle
with all my troops under arms, in total want of
food and resources, as the commissaries and their
dependents, in this branch, absented themselves
from both armies as soon as they heard the first
fire.
(Signed) Greg, de la Cuesta.
The Spanish general thus concludes his account
of the battle.
Most excellent sir.
Translation of a Yestcrdav, in the evenino- at 7 o'clock, I
letter from gen. " ' o' • '
Cornd.^"**'**^ informed your excellency, from the field of battle,
itt^TSol''^^ that the attacks of the enemy and our defence were
continued with obstinacy. Hostilities ceased as
soon as it grew dark, but the enemy did not leave
their positions till a little before day-break, when
they began their retreat, and they have repassed
the Alberch6, in the direction of Casulejus and
Santa Olalla, having already abandoned all hopes
of being able to rout or even move us from our
position.
They have left the ground wliich they occupied
UNDER LORD WELLINGTOJT. 427
strewed with dead bodies and wounded, which they ^o^^ ^v.
' •' CHAP. viir.
had neither time nor means to remove. They have ^""^^^^T*^
suffered a terrible loss, which would have been still J"'y-
General Cuesta
greater, if fatigue and want of provisions had not toM.deCor-
incapacitated our troops from pursuing them.
The English have likewise suffered much, through
the loss of three generals, many subalterns, and
some soldiers ; but they cannot be denied the
praise of having fought with much valour and dis-
cipline, and having convinced the French that they
will not giv^e way to them in any engagement,
especially if led and commanded by their judicious,
active, and valiant general, sir Arthur Wellesley.
The Spanish troops, particularly those corps
which had most opportunity, left me nothing to
wish for from their valour and intrepidity.
The terrible and well-supported fire of our in-
fantry, frustrated the repeated attacks of the enemy,
and the assault of our cavalry caused much havoc
amons^ them.
The regiment of the King, in particular, has
covered itself with glory, and has, together with
the English, taken from them some cannon, and
made prisoners a general, a colonel, and several
oflficers. Although I reserve to myself to speak of
the rest, in order to point out those who have dis-
tinguished themselves and deserve to be rewarded,
I request, immediately, thai the colonel of this re-
428 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK ly. giment, namely, the brisadier don Josef Mariadc
CH AF. VIII. O J J t O
^^'^^^w"-^ Lestres, may be promoted to the rank of major-
juiy. general, for having proceeded to the attack at the
to M. de Cor- head of his regiment, thereby setting the best
nel.
example.
From the information of prisoners, we know
that the attack of yesterday morning was made in
part by the whole of Joseph Napoleon's guard, in
which he founded all his hopes, but the moment
he saw it driven back and routed, he betook him-
self to flight towards Santa Olalla.
I have just learned that his army, full of conster-
nation, directs its march towards Toledo, without
any provision or means of subsisting.
Finally, for want of time I can only add, that
this has been the most glorious and important
battle of the whole war, and which I hope will
open to us the road of the Ebra, the moment we
shall be in possession of what is most necessary for
victualling the troops.
God preserve your excellency many years,
(Signed) Greg, de la Cuesta,
Head-quarters, camp of Talavera, July 29th, 1 809,
At ten in the morning.
Of this latter despatch it is neither necessary
nor is it the time to say any thing here.
The whole have been given in succession as a
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON". 429
good prelude to the memoir of the. British com- ^cufpf"yi^,^;
mander- in-chief, : — an arrangement which certainly ^^^^^^^*^
forms no bad compliment to the army of the ^"'y-
allies.
Something farther, however, will be requisite,
previously to the insertion of that memoir, to the
illustration of the actual state of the British army.
By the following letter of the brave and intel-
ligent general Mackenzie, of whom more reliqucs
were to have been desired, sir Robert Wilson's
corps again attracts attention in the provisions for
its safety.
Dear sir Robert,
The French have united their forces, JR. Mackenzie
' to sir R.Wiison.
(said to be 45,000 men) and are advancing on ^Tt^^f'o'r.l.^^X
^ ' ' t o 26th, 1809, half
Cuesta, who is retiringr behind the Alberche. past ii o-ciock.
I have been called even here to join general Sher-
brooke, and am directed by him to say, that the di-
visions of the British army here will also fall back
to join the rest of the army behind the Alberche,
so that you will make such movement as may
correspond with this ; and ensure the safety of
your detachment. Every thing promises a general
action soon.
Always most faithfully yours,
J. R. Mackenzie.*
* Tn tliis action, sincerely re^reted, the writer fell.
430 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV,
CBAP. VIII.
The safety of the whole British army, also, ap-
pears to have been equally involved, for, at this
•^"'y- critical moment, the British minister was compelled
thus anxiously to write to the Spanish secretary-
of-state on its account.
Sir,
Mr.frereto J }jave Tcceivcd to-dav a letter from
M. de Garay. •^
srlh'iao?'^ general Wellesley, dated the 24th, in which he
tells me that his army had then been absolutely
without food for two days. This circumstance
appears the more unaccountable, as the Spanish
army was supplied with every thing, and the
French prisoners which had been taken were well
fed, and in good health, and even their horses in
good condition. As a necessary consequence of
this state of things, general Wellesley informs me,
that he was obliged to desist from the pursuit of
the French army, already retreating, and, of course,
in the most disadvantageous situation. He likewise
tells me that he is much afraid he will be obliged
entirely to quit Spain, if the necessary means, not
only for its future advance, but also for his sub-
sistence in the position which he now occupies,
continue to fail him.
This state of abandonment is the more sensible
to him in a country comparatively rich, and
abounding in the articles necessary for the sab-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 431
sistence of an ami}*, when contrasted with the J^^^p^jJJ^'
treatment which this same army met with in '""'^^^^^
Portup-al, — a country, in itself, much less abundant; J"'y-
besides that, it has been ruined by the contmued M.deGaray.
exactions of the French. The want of means
was, however, made up for by good-will ; and in
all the rapid and almost unforeseen marches of the
English army, during its short campaign in Por-
tugal, there was only one day on which it had to
complain of a want of the necessary means of
subsistence.
It is impossible for a foreigner, nor would it per- J|
haps be easy for a Spaniard, to point out positively
the cause of the evil ; but a simple relation of the
facts will suffice, in order to prove the existence of
a great responsibility with regard to the Spanish
nation, and, indeed, to all Europe.
Neither shall I attempt to point out the remedy
which it would be proper to apply. Experience
has shewn me, that the most decisive and positive
orders may be given, even when dictated with the
best intentions, without the effects resulting from
them which one had a right to expect. But I
must observe, that when the common interests of
two governments are at stake, they both of them
become responsible for the exaction of the orders
which they give, and for an exact obedience on the
part of their respective subjects ; and that, although
432 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
the transmitting of papers and despatches may
^„^^^ serve in exculpation of the individuals who are
1809. ^
■^"'y- charged with them, the one government is still re-
Mr. Frere to _
-M. deGara^. sponsiblc towards the other, for the consequences
which shall result from them, it being, in fact,
with respect to foreign powers, the only represen-
tative acknowledged by the nation, and speaking
in the name of the people, whose obedience is
taken for granted, u
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) J. H. Frere.
This appeal was immediately referred to the
junta by its secretary.
Most excellent sirs,
M. de Garay i- • r- i i • i
to the junta of i hc suprcmc Fulmg junta or the kmgdom
Badajos. i • i • • /> i i* • /^
SevHie, July havmg Icamt that various juntas of the district of
Placentia have received orders from the commissary
appointed to supply the English army, to procure
them provisions, and the means of conveyance;
which orders they have not fulfilled, notwith-
standing the preservation of the country depended
on tlieir fulfilment, since the armies are prevented
from executing their marches with that precision
which would enable them to come up with, and
route, the' enemy. In order that these troops may,
for the future, be supplied with all the articles
27th, 1809.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 43,
B 0 O K IV
CHAP. VIII.-
in which they stand in need. His majesty has
been pleased to determine, that your excellencies ^^^
shall immediately despatch two members of your •'"'y-
•^ * "^ M. deGaray
body, first, to secure the persons of those whose to the junta &f
ill-will has occasioned the want experienced by the
English army ; and, secondly, that, residing in that
district, they shall place, at the disposal of the
commissary, all the wine, meat, and bread, flour,
and other provisions, which may be necessary ; as
also the means of conveyance they may require.
Your excellencies are to be careful that these com-
missioners be persons capable of performing this
important service with that energy and activity
so necessary at this moment ; and his majesty will
most particularly attend to the merit they will ac-
quire by this commission, and to the exact execution
of the most important service which can be per-
formed for the country. By his majesty's com-
mand, I make this resolution known to your
excellencies, requesting you will inform me of the
persons you shall appoint for the execution of this
commission.
(Signed) Martin de Garay,
P. S. All the carts, waggons, and other objects,
required by the army that can be collected, should
likewise be sent to it.
VOL. IV. F f
434 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN* AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK TV.
CHAF. viir.
1809.
In con§equenc5e of the preceding appeal, the fol-
lowing orders were immediately sent to the Spanish
July- general.
to gen. cuesta. Most exccllcnt sir,
37th, 1809.^ In a note of this day's date, which I have
received from don M. de Garay, he states, *'that
in consequence of the magistrates in the district of
Placentia having neglected the orders which had
been issued to them, to supply provisions and
means of conveyance to the ai'my of pur allies,
these troops are in a state of want, very prejudicial
to the salvation of the country, and particularly, as
it obstructs the movements and rapidity of the
march of the combined armies. It is the desire of
the junta, that the English troops should be sup-
pliedj 'iln ipreference to our own, with tall kinds of
provisions, and with means iof conveyance, so that
Ihey shall not he in want even of the smallest
article. It has, therefone, been resolved, that general
Cuesta shall summons the commissary appointed
to attend the allied armies, and express to him,
that as every possible assistance -of this kind, of
■which it may stand in need, ought to be provided
•for it, the government will hold him responsiWe for
any want it may experience : and general Cuesta,
considering the honour of the nation and the in-
terest of the public cause, will take the proper
UNDER LORD WELLIJSTGTON. 435
steps to announce to the arniv of our allies, during: book iv.
'■ J ' O CHAP. VIII.
its stay in Spain, such treatment as is due to its ^*<^^v-^^
'' '^ ' 1809.
valour, its generosity, and the importance of the J"iy-
rv 1 -n 1 • 1 Ml ^^- de Gomel
assistance it affords us. For this purpose he will to gen. Cuesu.
adopt such measures of rigour as he shall find ne-
cessary towards the corregidors and magistrates
who are wanting in the smallest matter, in this
most important business; and the junta relies on
the zeal and wisdom of that officer for the supply of
our allies, particularly in those parts where the
enemy was enabled to procure them. By his
majesty's commands, I communicate this to your
excellency, (as I have hkewise done to the junta of
Badajos,) that you may make it known to general
Cuesta, without the least delay, of the non-ex-
ecution of these orders." 3,
I transmit this to your excellency, that you may
adopt the necessary measures for its exact ful-
filment.
(Signed) Cornel.
While orders were forwarded, through general
Cuesta, to remedy the evil, the following com-
munication was made directly to the British
general :
Most excellent sir,
Mr. Frere, his majesty's minister, hath ^A^eSy!
just past a note to the supreme junta, in which he gr^h^'Vaop/
rfS
; ^^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV
CHAP. VIII.
1809.
States, that for want of provisions and transports,
the auxiliary army delays its march, and leaves
M deG^ general Cuesta to follow the enemy alone. A
Weirl''^"'^ piece of news so unexpected has surprised (as
might be supposed) his majesty ; the more so, as
it is the first account which has reached him of
the English army being in want of the necessary
articles for active operations.
He knew, indeed, that the means of transport
were not abundant, and instantly commanded
various parties of soldiers to procure what were to
be had, who, if they have not done it already, will
very soon conduct them to the English troops.
The same would have been done with respect to
the other articles, had it been known in time, and
it is felt, certainly, very sensibly, that the first
notice of these particulars should be accompanied
by the extraordinary resolution announced by
Mr. Frere, which, if it is adhered to, will, doubt-
less, destroy the combined plans which have begun
so happily to be carried into effect.
Your excellency's penetration will easily see,
that if the French, knowing the separation of the
tv/o armies, should fall upon ours and beat ir,
the loss which such a defeat would cause could
never be repaired.
On the other hand, what would be the effect of
isuch a separation in the eyes of Spain, of England,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 4<37
B 0 0 K IV.
CHAP. viir.
and of Europe? The supreme junta conjures
your excellency, for the common good of all the ^^^^
allies, for the honour of the two nations, and for -^"'y-
M. de Garay
your own glory, not to persevere in so prejudicial tosirAnhur
a resolution : — your excellency's troops shall want
for nothing ; — this very day the most peremptory
orders are repeated, and the strongest measures are
taken for that effect, with the intention that our
own soldiers shall rather want necessaries than the
English soldier any one of the articles to which he
has been accustomed.
The junta hopes, that this difficulty being re-
moved, your excellency will follow the path of
glory opened to you, and that, shewing it to our
troops as well as to your own, you will not rest
till, by the common efforts of both, the French
are driven beyond the Pyrenees.
I communicate this to your excellency by order
of the junta, and am happy in this oppor-
tunity, &c.
(Signed) Martin de Garay.
A similar communication was made to the Bri-
tish minister.
Sir,
Having communicated to the secretary- ^,%^"y *°
of-state for the war-department, (in order that he ^Sl^'-^"^^ ^^'
438
B O O K IV.
CUAP. viri.
1809.
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
might adopt the measures necessary in conse-
quence,) the note which you addressed to me on
July. |-]^p gT'tii instant, making known to me the com-
M. de Garay , . ' o
to Mr Frere. plaints of gcucral Wellcsley, on the wants he ex-
perienced of the most necessary articles, for the
maintenance of his army, that minister has re-
plied to me in the following terms : —
" I return your excellency the note from the
English minister, which you transmitted to me
yesterday, and have to state to your excellency,
that, in consequence of general Don Gregj de la
Cuesta's having sent, under date of the 17th inst.
the copy of a letter from sir Arthur Wellesley, in
which he mentions his being without means of
conveyance for his provisions, ammunition, and
_ hospital-stores, it was immediately arranged, that
four cavalry officers should set out from this city,
with orders to collect in, all directions, and send to
•the army, two- thirds of the horses they found in
the villages beyond Santa Olalla, loading them
with barley, which -article was wanting in the
army ; the commissary-general of the army was
desired, at the same time, to collect a third part
of the carts at present in this city, for the same
purpose, and in the villages between this and Santa
Olalla ; and an order was, in like manner, trans-
mitted to Don Francisco de Saavedea, relative to
provisions, who has adopted the most active mea-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON^, 43^
sures to supply any want in^ this branchy as he has ^^^vfvm.*
intbrmed me in a ijote of the 21st inst. By last ^""QjJ*^
nioht's messf n<»eF an order, of which the inclosed J'^'y*
'" M. de Garay
is a copy, was transmitted tO general Cuesta, re- toMr. Frere.
lative to: the means of supplying the English
army with provisions ; and, in consecLuence of t^he
note of l^is British majesty's minister, the neces-
sary instructions have been given both to that ge-
neral and to Don Francisco Vanegas, relative to
the futitpe operations of our troops, iu fasethe
march x)f ,the Enghsh ^rmy should be s,uspended.
At the, same time that 1 tlius transmit this letter
to youj sir, I have also the. honour to inclose the
royal ordei', above-mentioned, and avail r^yself
of the opportunity to renew the assurances. Sec.
(Signed) Martin de Garay.
P. S. I transmit also a copy, of the note, wliich
I have addressed to the junta of Ba<3ajos, for
your information, and for that of your govern-
ment.— G.
Such were the circumstances on the part of the
British army, which preceded the memoir of its
general on the battle of Talavera.
Still, previously to the insertion of that docu-
ment, there are some observations on the pre-
ceding operations, which, in the view of the
ff^^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV,
CHAP. VIII.
1809.
present writer, are no less useful to the future ge-
neral than interesting, in a certain degree, to tlic
J"'y- public. They are contrasted with those of the
same respectable journahst, which accompanied
the despatch of sir Arthur Wellesley to lord viscount
Castlereagh.
s^rXthtr wd- "^^^ ^*"^^ dcspatch from our commander, (says
Wiey. jj^g remarks,) is dated the 13th of last month, and
begins by describing the operations of a Spanish
corps, with which we were not then acting, but
which appears to have been very properly directed.
After this, we are made acquainted with the rela-
tive force and positions of the armies of Victor
and Cuesta ; and here we shall ask, whence it is
that the numerical force of the French and Spa-
nish armies are thus given and placed close to
each other, the former said to consist of 35 and
the latter of 38,000 men, whilst no notice is
taken of the aggregate amount of the British
. troops? Of the motives which have led to this,
Ave know nothing. Sir Arthur is, unquestionably,
too honourable a man to have acted from insidious
ones; but the consequence resulting from such a
statement is, that a charge will be insinuated
against Cuesta for not attacking an inferior enemy :
whereas the British force was equal in numbers to
that of the Spaniards, and still that army was not
either now, or at any subsequent period, attacked
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 441
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
by the British general more than by the Spanish.
Our troops in Spain have never been estimated, ^^^^
even by those whose object it was to diminish their J"'^
Despatch from
number, at less than 26,000 men: they probably sir Arthur Wei-
leslejr.
amount to 30,000 ; and of these, so far as we can ga-
ther from sir Arthur's first letter, he had the whole
with him on the 16th, except general Craufurd's
brigade. The troops from the Tagus had arrived
on the 10th; the 23d light dragoons and the 48th
on the 14th ; and the 61st on the l6th : and, when
it shall be observed, that though that Spanish
army had been ostentatiously displayed as amount-
ing to 38,000 men, (whereof 7000 were cavalry,)
yet that it afterwards creeps out that general
Cuesta had only 24,000 men in the camp with
him, we think the inference most undeniable,
that he had not a greater body of troops than sir
Arthur himself: and we do not say this with the
vicAv^ of imputing blame to either general for not
attacking the enemy singly ; on the contrary, we
are of opinion, that, as the attack was likely to
be more effectual after their junction, it was better
to wait for that event. Yet we may be excused
for endeavouring to guard the public against a
too obvious inference, by shewing that general
Cuesta, with his nominal 38,000 men, did, in
abstaining from the attack of Victor, only adopt
442 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAi'. vm.
1809.
that line of conduct which was sanctioned by the
practice of the British officer; and that, there-
Juiy- fore, if one is faulty both are so.
Despatch from
sir Arthur Wei- We comc uow to the sccoud of sir Arthurs
lesley.
letters, dated July 24th; and this does, indeed,
relate what is perhaps, in the history of wars, not
a very singular, but yet to us a most provoking,
occurrence — the escape of the French marshal
from the united troops and wits; of the British
and. Spanish generals. An immense concentration
of force having taken place on their ^art, not
only by the junction of the two principal armies,
•but hkewise by the accession of a Portuguese
corps under the indefatigable and brave sir Robert
Wilson, and of a Spanish one commanded by the
cautious Vanegas, the advanced posts of the
enemy were actually driven in on the 22d. On
the- 23d the columns were again formed for the
attack : when the engagement is suspended : and
Avhy? Because Cuesta refused to fight? By no
means: Sir Arthur Wellesley does not say this;
what he says is in effect, that it was postponed
through his own compliance with the desire of
Cuesta, that it should be postponed till the next
flay : but, in the mean time, Victor having no
desire to wait their leisure, thought proper to de-
camp in the night. This, therefore, is the plain
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 443
statement of the case, (and it matters not with book iv.
^ CHAP. VHI.
which of the generals the motion for postpone- ^-•p-^'-v-'"**-'
inent originated,) that they were both outwitted Juiy*
*by the Frenchman : for, if the penetration of sir sii Anhur Wei-
Arthur had at all dived into the probable mo-
tions of Victor, Jet us look in. what situation he
will then stand, even according to his own ac-
count : he will have complied with the desire of
his fellow-commander, to let their joint enemy
escape ; and none but a base mind can suppose a
gallant British officer capable of so base an act?
But, that neither of the generals had the least
notion of the enemy's intention is obvious from
what follows: for they both unsuspectingly drew
up *' the troops destined for the attack on the
next morning;" when, oh 1 most ludicrously la-
mentable ! We can conceive how Victor would
laugh at the idea of that vacant, who-would-have-
thought-it kind of stare, which they would natu-
rally give each other, on finding the birds flown.
And here we see the consequence : we have no
doubt that each accuses the other, to his own go-
vernment, of originating the procrastination of
the engagement ; though, as to any merit which
either of them may derive from disproving his
title to the. first suggestion of dela}', we do not
think that the possessor of that merit is thereby
444 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. entitled to the preference, by one snap of a
CHAP. VIII. * ./ »
^*-*''v^'*^ finger.
1809. °
July- Of the reasons which Cuesta gave, for making
iirTrthurWd- this iniputed request, that the action might be
lesley. . _
posponed till next day, we know nothing from
sir Arthur's letters. His friends in England, well-
judging ones they must be ! have said, that the
23d being a Sunday, the Spaniard did not like to
fight on that day. Now, if any thing could tend
to render their patron more ridiculous than an-
other, it must surely be the propagation of such
a report as this; according to which, if it were
true, he would not only have granted the most
prejudicial request of his joint commander ; but
a request, too, for making which no rational
motive whatever, none but the most absurd and
foolish in nature, was assigned. So that if sir
Arthur means to admit his indulgence of Cuesta's
desire, he will, we apprehend, at least prove it to
have sprung from principles, or even prejudices,
more rational than this with which we are here
presented.
The conclusion of the whole is, that Victor
has fallen back, and formed a junction with Se-
bastiani ; and that the concurrence of the British
force in the farther pursuit is now. more than
ever doubtful : indeed, we cannot but shudder at
the probable result of the advance of our troops
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 445
into the heart of Spain under the existing circum- ^°^^_^i^,y*
stances ; for, exclusive of the difficulties of con- '^"^T^JT*^
veyance, and the want of proper supplies, both J"b'-
. . . Despatch from
complained of in the last despatches, there is evi- sir Arthur Wei.
Icsley.
oently disunion between the chief commanders of
the t\v^o nations, both of whom are likewise as
clearly opposed by generals of pre-eminent dex-
terity and address; and, under these disadvan-
tages, we know not whether British valour, and
Spanish enthusiasm, if enthusiasm still exist in
the peninsula, may not both be doomed to spend
their force in vain.
The mind, however, will revert (says the ob-
servations of the London Gazette Extraordinary)
with pleasure to the perusal and contemplation of
achievements so honourable to our countrymen
and so beneficial to our allies. We shall, there-
fore, recal to observation the transactions which
we have before enumerated, placing, if possible,
in a clearer light, the occurrences we have before
described, and adding fresh lustre to the heroism
which we almost adore.
The enemy having returned with the number,
as we specified, of almost 50,000 men, under the
command of three of their most celebrated officers,
and under the eye of Joseph Buonaparte himself,
drove back general Cuesta's advanced guard on
]c»lcy.
445 CAMPATGNl^ IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK ly. tjje 26th, and, from that moment, every thine
CHAP. VIII. ' ' ' •' "^
^''^^^^ indicated the approach of a general engagement.
J'"'.y- The great body of the Spanish army was stationed
jiespatch from ^ . , , /> i i
sir Arthur Wei- OH the right, at oiicc secure, and conhned by
their position; but a part of their infantry de-
fended the road from the bridge of Alberche,
and occupied the town of Talavera, which was
never forced. Ours was the post of chief dif-
ficulty and danger. Our left was commanded by
an eminence, of M'hich general Hill understood
the value too well not to maintain it against the
repeated and almost incessant attacks of' a supe-
rior force ; and on our right, between ours and
the Spanish army, there was a redoubt in an un-
iinished state, whereon brigadier-general Camp-
bell wa^ stationed. The whole intervening line
extended about two miles.
After the advanced guard of general Mac-
kenzie was withdrawn, not without considerable
loss, but M'ith the display of great bravery and
conduct, the first attack was made by the French
cavalry upon the Spanish infantry, which we be-
fore stated to have been ^stationed upon the road
from the Alberche. This attack, sir Arthur Wel-
-iesley says, completely failed :" or, in other words,
i-he Spanish foot beat back the French horse.
♦Ifheir horse .and foot were every where beaten b}'
^^be English. General Hill drove them from the
UNDER LOUD WELLINGTON. 447
BOOK IV.
CHAT. viir.
height on the left ; but their repeated attempts to
gain this position, rendered it necessary for the com- ^^^
mander-in-chief to sirengthen it, by an accession -i^y-
Despatch from
of Spanish force, namely, Albuquerque's cavalry, sir Arthur Wei^
" lesley.
Next followed their general attack upon our
whole line, which was chiefly met a-nd frustrated
by the charge of the British bayonet. General
Sherbrooke's division was upon our left and cen-
tre ; and general Campbell, as we betbre stated,
cpon our right. The brigade of guards upon his
left, having unluckih' pursued the enemy too far,
was exposed to a dreadful fire from the hostile co-
lumns retreating, and likewise from a battery;
and here it was that sir Arthur evinced the talents
of a real general, by foreseeing their difficulty,
aJidi ordering general Cotton's brigade of cavalry
to cover their: retreat. Major-general Campbell
EftOst successfully repulsed tiie enem}' from the
redoubt on the right, being supporte-d by Spanish
cavalry, and two baitalions of Spanish infantry. ♦
This is the general description, and we hope no
unintelligibic -one, of the battle. But while we
are endeavonring to assign to each tlieir proper
honour, we must not overlook the brave Germans
in our pay, whom we have not hitherto mentioned,
tm aco<piu.nt of their forming a component part of
the British army. The 1st German Light Dra-
goons took a conspicuous part in the charge and
448 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. repulse of the hostile force which was intended to
CHAP. VIII. r
* ''— — • seize the eminence occupied by general Hill ; and
•^"'y- the whole bod}' of them appear with honour in
Despatch from
Mr Arthur wd- various otliCF parts of the engagement.
letley.
Of the battle itself, we can say no more than
we have done already ; it is an affair that reflects
trancendant glory, not only upon the heroes who
were engaged in it, but upon the country which
sent them forth ; and they greatly, and we be-
lieve, too, intentionally err, who suppose, that
either on this or on any other occasion, where he
deserves it, we are disposed to withhold our tri-
bute of applause from the commander-in-chief.
Despatches, of which the following are copies
and extracts, received at the office of the lord
viscount Castlereagh, one of his majesty's principal
secretaries of state, from lieutenant-general the
right honourable sir Arthur Wellesley, K. B.
Taiavera de la My lord, — General Cuesta followed the enemy's
July 29, 1809. nurch with his army from the Alberch6, on the
morning of the !24th, as far as Santa Olalla, and
pushed forward his advanced guard as far as Tor-
rijos.
For the reasons stated to your lordship in my
despatch of the 24th, I moved only two divisions
of infantry and a brigade of cavalry across the
UNDER LORD "WELLINGTON. 449
Alberch^ to Caselegos, under the command of ^^^p^^Jf'
lieutenant-general Sherbrooke, with a view to ^^T^^T^^
keep up the communication between general J"iy-
Battle of
Cuesta and me, and with sir R. Wilson's corps at Xaiavera.
Fsrplnna Sir ArihurWtl.
iLSCaiOna. lesley to lord
It appears that general Vanegas had not carried ^^ ^^^^^ "
into execution that part of the plan of operations
which related to his corps, and that he was still at
Damiel, in La Mancha ; and the enemy, in the
course of the 24th, 25th, and £6th, collected all his
forces in this part of Spain, between Torrijos and
Toledo, leaving but a small corps of 2,000 men in
that place.
His united army thus consisted, — of the corps of
marshal Victor, of that of general Sebastiani, and
of 7 or 8,000 men, the guards of Joseph Buona-
parte, and the garrison of Madrid, and it was
commanded by Joseph Buonaparte, aided by
marshals Jourdan and Victor, and general Se-
bastiani.
On the 26th, general Cuesta's advanced guard
was attacked near^ Torrijos, and obliged to fall
back, and the general retired with his army on
that day to the left bank of the Alberche, general
Sherbrook continuing at Caselegos, and the enemy
at Santa Olalla.
It was then obvious that the enemy intended
to try the result of a general action, for which the
VOL. IV. G g
450
BOOK IV.
CHAP, viir.
1809.
'campaigns in SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
best position appeared to be in the neighbourhood
of Talavera ; and general Cuesta having consented
•^"'y- to take up this position on the morninar of the
Battle of ' * ^
Talavera. 27th, I Ordered general Sherbrooke to retire with
Sir Arthur Wel- i . ^ . ....... .
lesievtoiord ins corps to its station in the hne, leavnig general
Castlereagh, T»ri • -.i !••• r- ' r^ i
Mackenzie, with a division of infantry and a
brigade of cavalry, as an advanced post in the
wood, on the right of Alberche, which covered
our left flank.
The position taken up by the troops at Talavera
extended rather more than two miles; the ground
was open upon the left, where the British army
was stationed, and it was commanded by a height
on which was in echellon, and in second line, a di-
vision of infantry, under the orders of major-
general Hill.
There was a valley between this height and a
range of mountains still further upon the left,
which valley was not at first occupied, as it was
commanded by the height before-mentioned ; and
the range of mountains appeared too distant to
have any influence upon the expected action.
The right, consisting of Spanish troops, ex-
tended immediately in front of the town of Talavera
down to the Tagus. This part of the ground was
covered by olive trees, and much intersected by
banks and ditches. The high road, leading from
the bridge over the Alberche, was defended by a
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 451
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
1809.
heavy battery in front of a church, which was oc-
cupied by Spanish infantry. All the avenues to
the town were defended in a similar manner; the J*>'y-
Battle of
town was occupied, and the remainder of the Xaiavera-
Spanish infantry \Tas formed in two lines behind lesiey to lord
the banks on the roads which led from the town,
and the right, to the left of our position.
In the centre, between the two armies, there was
a commanding spot of ground, on which we had
commenced to construct a redoubt, with some
open ground in its rear.
Brigadier-general Alexander Campbell was
posted at this spot with a division of infantry,
supported in his rear by general Cotton's brigade
of dragoons, and some Spanish cavalry.
At about two o'clock on the 27th, the enemy
appeared in strength on the left bank of the Al-
bcrch^, and manifested an intention to attack
general Mackenzie's division.
The attack was made before they could be
withdrawn ; but the troops, consisting of general
Mackenzie's and colonel Donkin's brigades, and
general Anson's brigade of cavalry, and supported
by general Payne, with the other four regiments
of cavalry, in the plain, between Talavera and the
wood, withdrew in good order, but with some
loss, particularly by the 2d battalion 87th regiment,
and 2d battalion 31st regiment, in the wood.
Gg 2
452
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
Battle of
Castlereagh.
On this occasion the steadiness and discipline of
jgpg the 45th regiment, and of the 5th battalion 60th
"f* regiment, were conspicuous ; and I had particular
Taiavera. Tcason for being satisfied with the manner in which
Sir Arthur Wel- . , t. r t • i . i
lesieytoiord major-gcneral Mackenzie withdrew his advanced
guard.
As the day advanced, the enemy appeared in
larger numbers on the right of the Alberch6, and
it was obvious that he was advancing to a general
attack upon the combined army.
General Mackenzie continued to fall back gra-
dually upon the left of the position of the combined
armies, where he was placed in the second line, in
the rear of the guards, colonel Donkin being
placed in the same situation further upon the left,
in the rear of the King's German Legion.
The enemy immediately commenced his attack
in the dusk of the evening, by a cannonade upon
the left of our position, and by an attempt with
his cavalry to overthrow the Spanish infantry,
posted, as I before stated, on the right. This at-
tempt failed entirely.
Early in the night, he pushed a division along
the valley, on the left of the height occupied by
general Hill, of which he gained a momentary
possession ; but major-general Hill attacked it
instantly with the bayonet, and regained it.
1809.
Castlereagh.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 453
This attack was repeated in the night, but
failed, and again at day-light in the morning of
the 28rh, by two divisions of infantry, and was -^"'y-
' -^ •" Battle of
re}3ulsed by major-general Hill. Taiavera.
■\T • " i¥T-iii -i-L • Sir Arthur Wel-
JMajor- general Hul has reported to me m a par- lesiey to lord
ticular manner the conduct of the 29th regiment,
and of the 1st battalion 48th regiment, ia these
different atfairs, as well as that of major-general
Tilson, and brigadier-general Richard Stewart.
We have lost many brave officers and soldiers in
the defence of this important point in our position ;
among others, I cannot avoid to mention brigade-
major Fordyce and brigade-major Gardner ; and
major-general Hill was himself wounded, but I
am happy to say, but slightly.
The defeat of this attempt was followed, about
noon, by a general attack with the enemy's whole
force, upon the whole of that part of the position
occupied by the British army.
In consequeuce of the repeated attempts upon
the heights on our left by the valley, I had placed
two brigades of British cavalry in that valley,
supported in the rear by the Due d' Albuquerque's,
division of Spanish cavalry.
The enemy then placed light infantry in the
range of mountains on the left of the valley,
which were opposed by a division ot Spanish in-
fantry under lieutenant-general De Bassecourt.
454 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOKiv. The sreneral attack beoran by the march of
CHAP. VIII. o r> J
^"^"^y"*^ several columns of infantry into the valley, with a
J"'y- view to attack the height occupied by major-
Taiavera. general Hill. These columns were immediately
le'Iiey to"ior/ ' cliargcd by the 1st German light dragoons and 23d
as ereag . (jragoons, undcr the command of general Anson,
directed by lieutenant-general Payne, and sup-
ported by gen. Fane's brigade of heavy cavalry ;
and althouoh the 23d drapoons suifered con-
siderable loss, the charge had the effect of pre-
venting the execution of that part of the enemy's
plan.
At the same time, he directed an attack upon
brigadier-general Alexander Campbell's position,
in the centre of the combined armies, and on the
right of the British.
This attack was most successfully repulsed by
brigadier -general Campbell, supported by the
King's regiment of Spanish cavalry, and two bat-
talions of Spanish infantry ; and brigadier-gen.
Campbell took the enemy's cannon.
The brigadier- general mentions particularl}^ the
♦ conduct of the 97th, the 2d battalion 7th, and of
the 2d battalion 53d regiments ; and I was highly
satisfied with the manner in which this part of the
position was defended.
An attack was also made at the same time upon
lieutenant-general Sherbrooke's division, which
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 455
was on the left and centre of the 1st line of the book iv.
CHAP. VIII.
British army. v,— *->,—**->
•^ 1809.
This attack was most gallantly repulsed, by a ^"^y-
charge with bayonets, by the whole division ; but TaUvera.
the brigade of guards, which were on the right, iesie/to"iot/*
having advanced too far, they were exposed, on
their left flank, to the fire of the enemy's battery,
and of their retiring columns ; and the division
was obliged to retire towards the original position,
under cover of the 2d line of general Cotton's
brigade of cavalry, \thich I had moved from the
centre, and of the 1st battalion 48th regiment.
I had moved this regiment from its original po-
sition on the heights, as soon as I observed the
advance of the guards, and it was formed in the
plain, and advanced upon the enemy, and covered
the formation of lieutenant-general Sherbrooke's
division.
Shortly after the repulse of this general attack,
in which, apparently, all the enemy's troops were
employed, he commenced his retreat across the
Alberch6, which was conducted in the most
regular order, and was effect during the night,
leaving in our hands 20 pieces of cannon, am-
munition, tumbrils, and some prisoners.
Your lordship will observe by the enclosed
return, the great loss we have sustained of valuable
officers and soldiers, in this long and hard-fought
Castlereagh.
456 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. action, with more than double our numbers
CHAP. VIII. '
^-^""^"^"^ That of the enemy has been much greater. I am
J"'y- informed that entire brigades of infantry have
Taiavera. bccn dcstroyed, and, indeed, the battahons that
fel\f/\o"iord^'* retreated were much reduced in numbers. By all
Castiere«gh. accouuts, their loss is 10,000 men. Generals
Lapisse and Morlot are killed ; generals Sepastiani
and Boulet wounded.
I have particularly to lament the loss of major-
general Mackenzie, who had distinguished himself
on the 27th ; and of brigadier-general Langworth,
of the King's German Legion ; and of Brigade-
major Beckett, of the Guards.
Your lordship will observe, that the attacks of
the enemy were principally, if not entirely, directed
against the British troops. The Spanish comman-
der-in-chief, his officers and troops, manifested
every disposition to render us assistance, and those
of them which were engaged did their duty ; but
the ground which they occupied was so important,
and its front at the same time so difficult, that I
did not think it proper to urge them to make any
movement on the left of the enemy while he was
engaged with us.
I have reason to be satisfied with the conduct
of all the officers and troops. I am much indebted
to lieutenant-general Sherbrooke, for the assistance
I received from him, and for the manner in which
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 457
he led on his division to the charge with ^^^^p^,,JX*
bayonets. ^''TSr^
To lieutenant-areneral Payne, and the cavahy, J"'>'-
^ *' , . Battle of
particularly general Anson's brigade, to major- Taiavera.
generals Hill and Tilson, brigadier-generals Alex- lesieytoiord
ander Campbell, Richard Stewart and Cameron, ^^ ^^'^^^ '
and to the divisions and brigades of infantry,
under their commands respectively, particularly
the 29th regiment, commanded by colonel White,
the 1st battalion 48th, commanded by colonel
Donnellan, afterwards, when that officer was
wounded, by major Middlemore ; the 2d battalion
7th, commanded by lieutenant-colonel sir William
Myers ; the 2d battalion 53d, commanded by
lieut.-colonel Bingham ; the 97th, commanded by
colonel Lyon; the 1st battalion of detachments,
commanded by Heutenant-colonel Bunbury; and
the 2d battalion 31st, commanded by major Wat-
son; and of the 45th, commanded by Heutenant-
colonel Guard, and 5th battalion 60th, commanded
by major Davy, of the 27th.
The advance of the brigade of guards was most
gallantly conducted by brigadier-general Campbell,
and, when necessary, that brigade retired, and
formed again in the best order.
The artillery, under brigadier-general Howorth,
was also, throughout these days, of the greatest ser-
vice; and I had every reason to be satisfied with the
458 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL
Castlereagh.
BOOK IV. assistance I received from the chief enmneer, lieut.-
CHAP. VIII. O '
^^-■''v^'^ colonel Fletcher: the adiutant-ojeneral, brio-adier-
1809. .^ o ' &
Battie"of " general the honourable C. Stewart, and the quarter-
Taiavera. mastcr-oeneral, colonel Murray, and the officers of
Sir Arthur Wel- .
lesiey to lord thosc departments respectively ; and from colonel
Bathurst, and the officers of my personal staff.
I also received much assistance from colonel
O'Lawlor, of the Spanish service, and from briga-
dier-general Whittingham, who was wounded when
bringing up the two Spanish battalions to the as-
sistance of brigadier-general Alexander Campbell.
I send this by captain lord Fitzroy Somerset,
who will giv'eyour lordship any further information,
and whom I beg leave to recommend.
I have the honour to be, &c.
(Signed) Arthur Wellesley.
Return of the Number killed, wounded, and missing,
of the Army under the command of Lieutenant-
General Sir Arthur Wellesley^ K. B. i?i actiofi
•with the French Army, commanded by Joseph
Buonaparte, in person, in front of the Town of
Talavera de la Rena, on the 17th July, I8O9.
General Staff — 1 officer killed.
14th Light DraQ:oons — 1 rank and file wounded.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 459
1st Light Drasjoons King's German Legion— bookiv.
*^ ° ° ^ CHAP. vni.
2 rank and file killed : 1 officer, 1 rank and file, ^-^^^^^^
' / 1809.
wounded ; 1 rank and file missing. Ju'y-
Royal British Artillery — 2 rank and file wounded. XaUvera.
Royal Engineers — 1 officer wounded.
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards — 1 officer
killed ; 1 officer, 2 rank and file, wounded.
2d Battalion 24th Foot— 1 rank and file killed ;
6 rank and file wounded ; 5 rank and file missing,
1st Battalion 29th Foot — 10 rank and file killed ;
1 officer, 12 rank and file, wounded; 1 rank and
file missing.
2d Battahon Slst foot — 1 officer, 1 serjeant, 22
rank and file, killed ; 4 officers, 3 Serjeants, 85
rank and file, wounded ; 2 rank and file missing.
1st Battalion 45th foot — 4 rank and file killed ;
1 officer, 13 rank and file, wounded; 7 rank and
file missing.
1st Battalion, 48th foot — 8 rank and file
wounded.
2d Battalion, 48th foot — 3 rank and file
wounded.
5th Battalion 60th Foot— 3 rank and file killed ;
1 officer, 4 rank and file, wounded ; 1 druminer,
18 rank and file, missing.
1st Battalion 6 1st Foot— -3 rank and file killed ;
1 officer, 3 rank and file, wounded.
2d Battalion, 87th Foot— 1 officer, 26 rank
4^ CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
and file, killed; 10 officers, 3 Serjeants, 124 rank
1809 ^'i^i file, wounded; 1 serjeant, 33 rank, file, mis-
Battle of
Taiavera. 1st Battalion 88th Foot— 2 officers, 7 rank and
file, killed , 25 rank and file wounded ; 30 rank
and file missing,
1st Battalions Detachments — 1 officer, 1 ser-
jeant, 13 rank and file, killed ; 2 Serjeants, 38
rank and file, wounded; 3 officers, 13 rank and
file, missing.
1st Line Battalion King's German Legion—Q
rank and file killed ; 7 rank and file wounded.
1st and 2d Light Battalions, ditto — 4 rank and
file killed ; 2 officers, 2 Serjeants, 23 rank and
file, wounded ; 5 rank and file missing.
2d Line Battalion, ditto — 3 rank and file
wounded.
5th ditto, ditto — 6 rank and file killed; 2 Ser-
jeants, 32 rank and file, wounded ; 1 1 rank and
file missing.
7th ditto, ditto — 19 rank and file killed ; 1
officer, 5 Serjeants, 1 drummer, 43 rank and file,
wounded ; 1 drummer, 76 rank and file, mis-
sing.
Total — 7 officers, 2 Serjeants, 122 rank and
file, killed; 24 officers, 17 Serjeants, 1 drummer,
465 rank and file, wounded ; 3 officers, 1 ser-
jeant, 2 dnimniers, 202 rank and file, missing.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 46l
BOOK IV.
ca^p. viit.
Names of the Officers hilled^ wounded, and missing, ^"^^^^^^^
of the Army under the Command of Lieutenant- -^"'y-
/-« fr Battle of
yjreneral Sir Arthur Welksley, K. B. in Action laiaver..
with the French Army, commanded by Joseph
Buonaparte, in Person, in front of the Tozvn
of Talavera de la Reyna, on the 9,7th of July^
1809.
KILLED.
General Staff — Captain Fordyce, 81st Regi-
ment, deputy- adjutant-general.
Coldstream Guards — Lieutenant-colonel Ross*
2d Battalion 31st Foot — Captain Lodge.
1st Battalion 88th Foot — Lieutenants Graydon
and M'Carthy.
1st Battalion Detachments — Lieutenant M*Dou-
gal, 91st regiment.
2d Battalion 87 th Foot — Ensign La Serre.
WOUNDED.
1st Light Dragoons, King's German Legion —
Lieutenant Heimbruck, severely in the arm.
Royal Engineers — Captain Boothby, severely in
the thigh.
462 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
B O O K IV
CHAP. viir.
1809.
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards — Captain and
adjutant Bryan, severely,
•'^"'y- 29th Foot — Lieutenant Popham, severelv.
Battle of , r ' J
Taiavera. Qd Battalion 31st Foot — Captain Coleman, lieu-
tenant George Beamash, severely ; ensigns Gamble
and Sorden, slightly.
1st Battalion 45 th Foot — Lieutenant -colonel
Guard, severely.
5th Battalion 60th Foot — Captain Wolf, se-
verely.
1st Battalion 6 1st Foot — Major Coglan, ditto.
■ 2d Battalion 87th Foot — Captain Macrea, se-
verely; captain Sommerfall, slightly; lieutenant
Kavanah, ditto ; lieutenants Bagnall, Kingston,
Johnson, and Carroll, severely ; ensign Moore,
slightly ; ensigns Knox and Butler, severely.
Rifle Corps King's German Legion— Captain
During, slightly ; lieutenant Holle, severely.
' 7th Line King's German Legion — Adjutant
Delius, severely.
MISSING.
1st Battalion Detachments — Captain Poole,
52dFoot; captain Walsh, 91st Foot ; and lieute-
tiant Cameron, 79th Foot.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON-. 463
B O 0 K IV.
CHAP. VIII.
Return of the Number of killed, woundedy and ^>-^^/^^^
-' J ■> ^ 1809.
missing, of the Army under the Command of J"'y'
Lieutenant-general Sir Arthur Wellesley, K. B. Xaiavera.
in Action with the French Army, commanded by
Joseph Buonaparte, in Person, at Talwcera de
la Reyna, on the 2Sth of July, I8O9.
General Staff — 4 officers killed ; 9 officers
wounded.
3d Dragoon Guards — 1 officer, 1 rank and file,
wounded ; 1 rank and file missing.
4th Dragoons — 3 rank and file killed ; 2 Ser-
jeants, 7 rank and file, wounded.
14th Light Dragoons — 3 rank and file killed ;
6 officers, 6 rank and file, wounded.
l6th Light Dragoons — 6 rank and file killed ;
1 officer, 5 rank and file, wounded ; 2 rank and
file missing.
23d Light Dragoons — 2 officers, 3 Serjeants,
44 rank and file, killed ; 4 officers, 2 Serjeants, 1
drummer, 43 rank and file, wounded ; 3 officers,
7 Serjeants, 2 drummers, 96 rank and file, mis-
sing.
1st Light Dragoons Kings German Legion — 1
drummer killed ; 2 officers, 1 serjeant, 2 drum-
mers, 29 rank and file, wounded ; 2 rank and file
missino:.
464 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. Royal British Artillery— 1 officer, 7 rank and
CHAP. VHX. '' •' '
•%.^-v-''^'^ file killed ; 3 officers, 21 rank and file wounded.
1809.
July- Royal German Artillery — 1 serjeant, 2 rank
T^iaTera. and file, killed ; 3 Serjeants, 27 rank and file,
wounded ; 1 rank and file missing.
Royal Engineers — 1 officer wounded.
Royal Staff Corps — 2 officers wounded.
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards — 1 officer, 33
rank and file, killed ; 8 officers, 1 1 Serjeants, 1
drummer, 239 rank and file, wounded.
1st Battalion 3d Guards — 5 officers, 4 Serjeants,
45 rank and file, killed ; 6 officers, 1 1 Serjeants,
1 drummer, 249 rank and file, wounded ; 1 rank
and file missing.
3d Foot, or Buff's — 1 serjeant, 25 rank and file,
killed; 2 officers, 5 Serjeants, 102 rank and file,
wounded ; 7 rank and file missing.
2d Battalion 7th Foot — 1 officer, 6 rank and
file, killed ; 3 officers, 1 serjeant, 2 drum-
mers, 51 rank rank and file, wounded; 1 rank
and file missing.
2d Battalion 24th Foot — 2 serjeants, 42 rank
and file, killed ; 10 officers, 13 serjeants, 255 rank
and file, M^ounded ; 21 rank and file missing.
1st Battalion 29th Foot— 1 serjeant, 25 rank
and file, killed; 6 officers, 98 rank and file,
wounded ; 2 rank and file missing.
2d Battalion 31st Foot — 1 serjeant, 20 rank
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. ^"'^
and file, killed; 3 officers, 5 Serjeants, 97 rank ohap.vih.'
and file, wounded ; 5 rank and file missing. jgog.
1st Battalion 40tli Foot — 7 rank and file killed ; /"'f
iiatUe ot
1 officer, 2 Serjeants, 47 rank and file, wounded ; TaUvera.
1 rank and file missing.
1st Battalion 45tb Foot — 9 rank and file killed;
2 officers, 4 Serjeants, 130 rank and file, wounded ;
] officer, 1 Serjeant, 1 drummer, 10 rank and file.
1st Battalion 48th Foot — 22 rank and file
killed; 10 officers, 3 Serjeants, 132 rank and file,
wounded ; 1 rank and file missing.
2d Battalion 48th Foot — 1 Serjeant, 11 rank
and file, killed ; 2 officers, 3 Serjeants, 50 rank
and file, wounded ; 1 officer missing.
2d Battalion 53d Foot — 6 rank and file killed;
2 officers, 1 serjeant, 29 rank and file, wounded ;
1 rank and file missing. : i-i.^
5th Battalion 60ih Foot — 1 drummer, 6 rank
and file, killed ; 6 officers, 1 serjeant, 24 rank
and file, wounded ; 2 Serjeants, 10 rank and file,
missing.
1st Battalion 6 1st Foot — 3 officers, 1 drummer,
42 rank and file, killed; 10 officers, 10 Serjeants,
ljs3 rank and file, wounded; 16 rank and file,
missing.
2d Battalion 60th Foot — 1 serjeant, 15 rank
and file, killed; 11 officers, 5 Serjeants, 83 rank
VOL. IV. H h
466
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.
B O O K IV,
CHAP. VIU.
and file, wounded ; 1 serjeant, 10 rank and file,
"^oT^ missing.
•^"'^- 2d Battalion 83d Foot— 4 officers, 1 serjeant,
Battle of
Taia^era. 37 Tank and file, killed; 11 officers, 11 Serjeants,
2 drummers, 189 lank and file, wounded; 28
rank and file missing.
2d Battalion 87th Foot — ^1 serjeant, 8 rank and
file, killed ; 3 officers, 3 serjeants, 40 rank and
file, wounded ; 5 rank and file missing.
1st Battalion 88th Foot — 1 officer, 1 serjeant,
1 1 rank and file, killed ; 3 officers, 60 rank and
file, wounded.
1st Battalion 97th Foot — 6 rank and file killed ;
2o rank and file wounded ; 1 officer, 24 rank and
file, missing.
1st Battalion Detachments — 26 rank and file
killed ; 9 officers, 6 serjeants, 1 drummer, 159
rank and file, wounded; 1 drummer, 1 rank and
file, missing.
2d Battalion Detachments — 7 rank and file
killed ; 13 rank and file wounded ; 1 rank and file
missing.
1st Line BattaHon King's German Legion — 2
officers, 1 serjeant, 36 rank and file, killed j 10
officers, J 3 serjeants, 1 drummer, 227 rank and
file, wounded ; 1 rank and file missing.
1st and 2d Light Battalion ditto — 6 rank and
file killed ; 3 serjeants, 34 rank and file, wounded.
UNDEE LORD WELLINGTON.
467
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
1809.
^d Line Battalion ditto — 4 Serjeants, 57 rank
and file, killed ; 14 officers, 14 Serjeants, 3 drum-
mers, 271 rank and file, wounded; 24 rank and -^"'^
' ' ' Battle of
file missing. Talavera.
5th Ditto, ditto—S officers, 1 serjeant, 1 drum-
mer, 25 rank and file, killed ; 6 officers, 3 Ser-
jeants, 1 drummer, I09 rank and file, wounded;
1 drummer, 100 rank and file, missing.
7th Ditto, ditto — 2 Serjeants, 15 rank and file,
killed ; 4 officers, 7 Serjeants, 28 rank and file,
wounded ; 3 Serjeants, 2 drummers, \9 rank and
file, missing.
Total — 27 officers, 26 Serjeants, 4 drummers,
613 rank and file, killed; 171 officers, 148 Ser-
jeants, 15 drummers, 3072 rank and file, wounded ;
6 officers, 14 Serjeants, 7 drummers, 418 rank
and file, missing.
Return of Ordnance, 8^c. taken in the Battle of
the 2Sth July.
4 eight-pounders, 4 six ditto, 1 four ditto, 1
six-inch howitzer, 2 tumbrils, complete in ammu-
nition; taken by brigadier-general A. Campbell's
brigade.
H h 2
1809.
4^8 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
6 pieces of ordnance, 1 six-inch howitzer, left
by the enemy, and found in the woods.
-^^^y- 1 standard, taken by the 29th res^iment ; 1
Battle of . . & '
Taiavera. ditto, destroyed by ditto.
3 standards, taken by the King's German Le-
gion.
Charles Stewart, Brig.-gen.
Adjutant-gen.
Names of the Officers killed^ wounded, and missings
of the Army under the Command of Lieutenant-
general Sir Arthur JVellesley, K. B. in the
Action with the French Army, commanded by
Joseph Buonaparte, in Person^ at Taiavera de la
Reyna, on the 9,Sth July,
KILLED.
General Staff — Major-general Mackenzie, and
brigadier-general Langworth.
Coldstream Guards—Captain Beckett, brigade-
major to brigade of guards.
43d Foot— Captain Gardner, brigade-major to
brigadier-general R. Stewart.
23d Light Dragoons — Lieutenants King and
Powel.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 4^9
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards-Ensign Par- ^^.^^JJ^'
ker. ^.-•-v^'w^
1809.
Royal Artillery — Lieutenant Wyatt. ^"^y-
J J J Battle of
1st Battalion 3d Guards — Captains Walker, Bu- Xaiavwa.
chanan, Dalrymple ; ensign Ram ; adjutant Irby.
i£d Battalion 7th Foot — Lieutenant Beaufoy.
1st Battalion 61st Foot — Major F. Orpen. cap-
tain H. James, lieutenant Daniel Haimes.
2d Battalion 83d Foot — Lieutenant - colonel
Gordon, lieutenants Dahman, Montgomery,
Flood.
1st Battalion 88th Foot — Captain Blake.
1st Light Battalion King's German Legion-
Captain Versalle, captain Henry Hodenberg.
WOUNDED.
Major-general Hill, shghtly.
Brigadier-general A. Campbell, slightly.
Ditto H. Campbell, severely, but not danger-
ously.
13th Light Dragoons — Captain Whittingham,
deputy-assistant quarter-master-general, slightly.
91st Regiment — Captain Blair, brigade-major to
general Cameron, severely.
Coldstream Guards — Captain Bouverie, aid-de-
camp to sir Arthur Wellesley, slightly.
470
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
92d Foot — Ulysses Burgh, ditto ditto.
1st Battalion Line, King's German Legion"^
■^"^y* Captain Zerssen, aid-de-camp to general Lang-
EOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
1809.
ij\.
Taiavera. worth, scverely. iJ«^^
Sicily Regiment — Captain Craig, aid-de-camp
to general Sherbrooke, slightly.
3d Dragoon Guards — Captain Bryce, severely.
14th Light Dragoons — Colonel Hawker slightly ;
captains Chapman and Hawker, severely ; lieu-
tenant Ellis, ditto; lieutenants Wainman and
Smith, slightly.
l6th Ditto — Lieutenant Bence, slightly.
23d Ditto — Captains Howard and Frankland,
severely ; lord William Russel, slightly ; cornet
Dodville, ditto.
1st Light Dragoons King's German Legion — •
Lieutenant Poten, severely ; Cornet Tents, slightly.
Royal Engineers — Lieutenant Stanway, slightly.
Royal Brit. Artillery — Lieutenant- colonel Fra-
mingham, slightly ; captains Taylor and Baynes,
ditto.
Royal Staff Corps — Captain Todd, slightly;
lieutenant Shancham, ditto.
1st Battalion Coldstream Guards — Lieutenant-
colonel Stibbert, and sir William Sheridan, severely,
but not dangerously ; captains Milman and Chris-
tie, ditto; captains Collier and Wood, slightly;
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 471
captain Jenkinson, severely ; ensign Sandilands, ^^fp^.J,^*
ditto, but not dangerously. ^"^^oq^*"^
1st Battalion Sd Guards— Lieutenant-colonel J"'y-
Battle of
Gordon, slightly ; major Fotheringham, ditto ; Taiavera.
captain Geils, ditto ; ensigns Atcheson, Towers,
and Scott, ditto.
1st Battalion 3d Foot or Buffs — Lieutenant-co-
lonel Muter, severely, since dead ; major Drum-
mond, brevet lieutenant-colonel, slightly.
2d Battalion 7th Foot — Lieutenants Kerwan
and Muter, severely ; adjutant Page, slightly.
2d Battalion 24th Foot — Lieutenant-colonel
Drummond, severely ; major Pophani, ditto ;
captain CoUis, ditto ; captain Evans, ditto, since
dead; lieutenant Vardy, shghtly ; ensigns Grant,
Skene, and Johnson, severely.
2d Battalion 24th Foot — Ensign Jessamin, se-
verely ; adjutant Topp, slightly.
29th Foot — Captain Gauntlett, severely ; lieu-
tenants Stanns, Leslie, and Stanhope, ditto ; lieu-
tenant Nicholson, slightly ; captain Newbolt, ditto.
2d Battahon 31st Foot — Captain NichoUs,
slightly ; lieutenant Girdlestone, slightly ; lieute-
nant A. Bemish, severely.
2st Battalion 40th Foot— Captain Colquhoun,
slightly.
1st Battahon 4.5 th Foot— 'Major Gwyn, slightly;
lieutenant Cole, ditto.
472
CAMPAIGNS IN" SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
1809.
1st Bittalion 48th Foot — Lieutenant-colonel
Donellan, severely; brevet-major Marston, slightly ;
'^"'^' captains Wood and French, ditto : lieutenants
Battle oi ' ' ' _
Taiavera. Drought, Page, and Chesslyn, severely ; lieute-
nants Giles and Cuthbertson, slightly; ensign
Vandermeulen, severely.
£d Battalion 48th Foot — Lieutenant Johnson,
slightly ; ensign Kenny, severely.
2d Battalion 53d Foot — Major Kingscote,
slightly , captain Stowell, ditto.
5th Battalion 60th Foot — Captain Garliff, bri-
gadier-major, slightly ; captain Andrew, ditto;
lieutenants Zulke, Ritter, and Mitchell, severely ;
ensign Alienstein, ditto.
1st Battalion Gist Foot — Captains Furnase,
Laing, Goodsman, and Hartley, slightly ; lieu-
tenants M'Lean and Tench, ditto; lieutenant
Collins, severely ; lieutenant Gwan, slightly ; en-
sign Brackenburg, ditto ; adjutant Drew, se-
verely.
2d Battalion 66th Foot — Captain Kelly, slightly;
captain Stuart, severely ; captain Adams, brevet
lieutenant - colonel, ditto; lieutenants Morriss,
Dudgeon, Humbly, and Steele, severely ; lieu-
tenant Shewbridge, slightly ; lieutenant Morgan,
severely ; ensign Cotter, ditto ; ensign McCarthy,
slightly.
i2d Battalion 83d Foot—Captain Summerfield,
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 473
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
slightly ; captain Reynolds, leg amputated ; lieu-
tenant Nicholson, severely ; lieutenants Baldwin '""^'^
and Johnson, sliojhtly ; lieutenant Abell, severely ; J"'y-
^ o J •> . Battle of
lieutenant Pyne, slightly ; ensigns Boggie and TaUvera.
Carey, severely ; ensign Letoller, slightly ; adju-
tant Braham, ditto.
2d Battalion 87th Foot — Major Gough, se-
verely ; lieutenant Rogers, slightly; ensign Pepper,
ditto.
88th Foot — Captain Brown, severely ; lieute-
nant Whittle, ditto ; ensign Whitelaw, ditto.
1st Battalion Detachments — Major Ross, 38th
Regiment, severely; captain M'Pherson, 35th
ditto, ditto ; captain Bradley, 28th ditto, slightly ;
captain Chanceller, 38th ditto, ditto ; lieutenant
Gilbert, 28th ditto, severely ; lieutenant M'Beth,
42d ditto, ditto; lieutenant Fullerton, 38th ditto,
slightly ; lieutenant Munroe, 42d ditto, ditto ;
lieutenant Brown, 43d ditto, ditto.
1st Battalion Line Kings German Legion —
Major Bodeker, severely; captain Marshall, ditto;
captain SafFee, slightly; captain Petersdorf, ditto;
lieutenants Gorben, (sen.) Ernest Hodenberg,
and Frederick Hodenberg, severely; lieutenants
Saffe, and Schlutter, (sen.) slightly; ensign Al-
len, ditto.
2d Line Battalion King's German Legion —
Lieutenant-colonel Brauns, severely ; major Bel-
474 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. laville, slie'htlv ; captain Bersjman, severely;
CHAP. vm. J O ^ •> 1 c
'^'^^^^^^ captain Heldrith, slightly; captain Sharnhorst,
•^"'y- severely.
Taiavera. Scl Linc Battalion King's German Legion —
Lieutenants Beauerman, Wiukstern, Wessell,
Week, Holle, severely ; ensign Tinch, slightly ;
ensigns Schmidt, Billeb, Blumenliagen, severely.
5th Battalion Line King's German Legion-—
Captain Hamelberg, severely ; captain Gerber,
slightly ; lieutenants Linsingen and During, se-
verely; ensign Brandes, slightly; ensign Kohler,
severely.
1st Battalion King's German Legion— Major
Berger, slightly ; lieutenant Volgee, ditto ; lieu-
tenant Freytag, severely ; ensign Oifen, ditto.
23d Dragoons — Captains Allen and Drake,
wounded and missing ; lieutenant Anderson, ditto.
45th Foot — Captain Leckey, brigade-major,
missing.
48th Foot, 2d Battalion — Ensign Reeves, mis-
sing.
<)7th Foot — Lieutenant Shipley, ditto.
Return of the Number of killed, wounded, and
missing, of the Army under the Command of
Lieutenant-general Sir Arthur JVellesley, K. B.
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 475
in an Action with the French Army, covimanded \^^^^^^^;
hy Joseph Buonaparte^ on the ^7th and 2%th of ^"^^^J^^"^
July, 1809. ^ /"'^•
•^' Battle of
Talavera.
9.7th July, 1809.
Killed— 7 officers, 2 Serjeants, 122 rank and
file.
Wounded — 24 officers, 17 Serjeants, 1 drum-
mer, 465 rank and file.
Missing — 3 officers, 1 serjeant, 2 drummers,
202 rank and file. /
9.%thJuly, 1809.
Killed — 27 officers, 26 Serjeants, 4 drummers,
613 rank and file.
Wounded — 171 officers, 148 Serjeants, 15
drummers, 3072 rank and file.
Missing — 6 officers, 14 Serjeants, 7 drummers,
418 rank and file.
Total
Killed — 5 general staff, 2 lieutenant-colonels, I
major, 7 captains, 15 lieutenants, 3 cornets or
ensigns, 1 adjutant, 28 Serjeants, 4 drummers,
735 rank and file.
476
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV.
cHAP.vin. Wounded— 9 general staff, 10 lieutenant-co-
1809. lonels, 12 majors, 53 captains, 71 lieutenants, 34
July. _ '
Battle of cornets or ensigns, 6" adjutants, 1 65 Serjeants, l6
drummers, 3537 rank and file.
Missing — 5 captains, 3 lieutenants, 1 cornet or
ensign, 15 Serjeants, 9 drummers, 620 rank and
file. —Total 5367.
Return of the Horses killed, wounded, and missings
on the 97th and ^^th July, 1809.
27th July, 16 killed, 9 wounded, 2 missing.
28th July, 195 killed, 65 wounded, 157 mis-
sing.
General Total— 211 killed, 74 wounded, 159
missing.
Extract of a Letter from Lieutenant-general the
Right Honourable Sir Jrthur JVellesley, K. B.
to Lord Viscount Castlereagh, dated Talavera,
August 1, 1809.
Since I had the honour of addressing you on
file 29th of July, the enemy have continued to
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 477
keep a rear sruard of about 10,000 on the heights book ly.
* O * "—^ CHAP. VlII.
on the left of Alberch^. """^IsoT^
The extreme fatigue of the troops, the want of J"iy-
. Battle of
provisions, and the numbers ot wounded to be xaiavera.
taken care of, have prevented me from moving
from my position.
Brigadier-general Craufurd arrived with his bri-
gade on the 29th in the morning, having marched
12 Spanish leagues in little more than 24 hours.
F,xtract of a Letter from Lieutenant-general Sir
Arthur JVellesley to Lord Viscount Castlereagh,
dated Talavera, 1st August, I8O9.
When I addressed you this morning, I had not
received the report from the outposts. It appears
that the enemy withdrew the rear guard, which
was posted on the heights on the left of the Al-
berch^, last night at eleven o'clock, and the
whole army marched towards St. Olalla : I con-
clude with an intention of taking up a position in
the neighbourhood of Guadarama. ■■''
The following private account of this memorable
achievement of British valour and discipline, was
478 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
written by an officer who was a principal actor in
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
^^'^''^^J^'*^ the glorious scene :
J"'y- On the ^5th July, the French army had retired
Battle of , ■^' -^
Taiavera. in cvery direction. On the 26th, they faced about,
and attacked the vanguard of the Spanish army.
On the evening of the 26th, they were skirmishing
with the advanced posts of the British. On the
morning of the 27th, they advanced in strong
columns on the road to Taiavera. General Sher-
brooke commanded the advance, at Casas Leguas.'
The advance consisted of general Sherbrooke's di-
vision, general Mackenzie's ditto, and general
Anson's cavalry.
General Sherbrooke drew out his force on the
high ground above that town (Casas Leguas,)
with a view to give them battle, and check their
advance. He received an order from sir Arthur
Wellesley to retire, and take post about two miles
in the rear. He did so, covering his retreat with
the brigade of light cavalry, colonel Donkin's
brigade of infantry, and the sharp shooters. This
was executed in the most masterly manner.
After taking up his position, perceiving the
British army was not advancing to support him,
(for it was lying encamped at six miles distance,)
he determined to retire further behind the river
Alberch^. The cavalry, in toto, passed over the
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 479
BOOK IV,
CHAP. VIII,
river to support Anson's brigade, and cover the re
treat of the division of infantry. ^^^^
The enemy continued to advance. The British ^"^^y-
'' ^ , Battle of
continued to retire, and crossed the river at two Xaiavera.
different fords. The enemy passed rapidly for-
wards, and followed close. General Mackenzie's
division, posted in a wood on the back of the river,
was attacked, and a desperate action ensued, — our
brave fellows were compelled to give way to
numbers. They retired to a plain, where the other
troops endeavoured to cover and support them.
The enemy's artillery advancing rapidly, compelled
the whole to retreat. This being effected, the
enemy followed rapidly to the town, in front of
which the Spaniards were placed. Part of the
enemy entered the town pell-mell, with the
Spaniards, baggage, &c.
It was getting dusk : The retreat of the baggage,
&c. through close vineyards and olive-grounds was
confused and horrible. At this moment the enemy
commenced a furious attack on the left. The left
was posted on a very high hill, in a line with the
. town of Talavera. Between these two points our
line extended.
This attack vv^as more furious than the oldest
soldier ever remembered ; for a moment it suc-
ceeded. However, the exertion and gallantry of
every individual in the position succeeded in re-
480 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. pulsingf the enemy. They left the peak of the hill
CHAP. VIII. 1 O ,J d 1
'"'"^"^Y"^ covered with their slain.
1809.
J"'y- The night came on, and the firing ceased. A
Taiavera. Hiost fearful night was passed by the British under
arms: — our out-posts driven in, — the enemy at the
point of our bayonets, — almost in our position, well
acquainted with every inch of ground, — the town
of Taiavera, on our right, in his possession, as we
believed, though afterwards we found he had left
it in the night.
There was a valley on our left, under the high
hill of our position, beyond its heights, alternately
in possession of ours and the enemy's riflemen.
Day-break at length appeared. Five minutes
after, a tremendous fire of cannon and musketry
succeeded, and continued without intermission.
It ceased ; — and immediately came an order for
the cavalry to advance along the valley, to charge
the scattered columns of the enemy who had been
repulsed. This was immediately attempted, but
the enemy had got off.
Our loss in these two attacks was so great, that
we could do no more than maintain our position,
which the providence of Almighty God had left in
our possession.
About three in the afternoon the enemy again
advanced to the attack; he brought forward his
whole force. He was determined to storm the
UNDEU LORD WELLINGTON. 481
£[lorious heiVht which had successfully defied his book iv.
"■^ ~ ^ CHAP. viir.
attempt. He passed three strono; columns into the ^-""—v-**-^
entrance of the valley which flanked our position. J"b'-
He advanced to the hill and upon tlie centre witii Takvera.
enormous masses of men. All was still, except the
enemys guns in the valley and a few of ours upon
the hill.
The whole army remained in the most awful
suspense. The enemy advanced with unparalleled
steadiness. At this moment an order arrived ibt
Anson's brigacfe to advance, and charge the solid
columns of the enemy ; the order was promptly
obeyed. The brigade moved forv/ard, in sight of
both armies, in the finest order. Generals Payne,
Anson, and their staff, were at their head. Loud
shouts from both armies rent the air !
When the charge was sounded, none but those
who were present can conceive the interest of this
scene. Tremendous vollies of cannon and musketry
were poured among our ranks. A deep unseen
ditch crossed our front, into which numbers of
men and horses, who had not fed for two days, fell.
Nothing could daunt the transcendent valour of
our brave 23d: they passed all obstacles! rode
nobly up, — made a most desperate charge at a
solid square and double close colunm of infantry,
and were almost annihilated. The heavy brigade
advanced to the support of their brave comrades,
VOL. IV. I i
482
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
1809
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
and assisted in bringing oflf the remnant of this
gallant regiment, who, upon mustering them, ap-
Jiiy- peared only to amount to 119 men and horses.
Battle of ^ -^
Taiavera. Such was the glorious conduct of the 23d dragoons.
The British army which witnessed its exploits
will ever bear testimony of its glory ; and history
will record the achievement in the brightest page
of the annals of the English army.
Though this noble charge failed in breaking the
enemy's columns, it produced this advantageous
effect, that seeing himself attacked and threatened
by a large body of cavalry on his left, and expe-
rimentally feeling what sort of stuff that cavalry
was composed of, he was afraid to form his line ;
so that the heights which were now covered with
dead, dying, wounded, and completely worn-out
troops, were left untouched, and the enemy con-
fined his attack to the centre, where they were
vigorously repulsed ; and, after cannonading us for
some time, they retired, completely beaten, leaving
in our possession the field of battle, 13 pieces of
cannon, (8 having been taken the preceding night,)
some eagles, and all his dead and wounded. He
retired in the night behind the Alberch^, over
which he will never again pass.
iwthcr eiuci- Qf ^^\^\^ important and memorable battle, add the
datory particu- * '
lars. following remarks :
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 483
Lord Wellington, aware of the enemy's inten- bookiv.
o ' *' CHAP. VII r.
tion to attack the combined armies, had posted ^^-^^^"^^
^ 1809.
the Spanish troops in front of the town of Talavera, J"'y-
. r.iT-k'-ii- in 111 1 Remarks on the
on the right of the British line, and flanked by the battle of Tau-
. vera.
river Tagus. He should have occupied the height,
on the left of the British line, and a valley between
it, and a range of mountains still more to the
left, in sufficient force to maintain so strong and
important a position, and not have left it unoccupied,
save by a Spanish picquet.
The importance of this position to the British
has been sufficiently proved, and most certainly
was the salvation of the combined army ; indeed,
its importance was evident to every soldier on the
ground, from the moment the enemy shewed a dis-
position to move in that direction, who, with his
usual ability, took advantage of this oversight in
the British, and pushed forward a small force along
the valley on the left, and thereby obtained this
important post, without opposition. ^
Then it was that this error appeared to the Error of lord
^ ' Wellington.
commander, and it was determined to regain
possession of the height at any sacrifice. Ac-
cordingly, general Hill's division (till then quietly
reviewing the enemy's progress, and exposed to the
fire of their artillery) most gallantly attacked and
drove the enemy from the hill ; but not without
considerable loss : — a loss, which would have been,
I 12
484
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK TV.
CHAP. viir.
1809.
perhaps, avoided, if one brigade of English infantry
had been posted on the height and in the valley on
"'^- its left, in the first instance, and before the enemy
Keraarks on the ' •'
battle of Taia. had Commenced the attack
vera.
This oversight (to give it a mild name) is the
more to be wondered at, from the enemy's having
proved a disposition to form his right wing in that
direction, at four o'clock in the afternoon of the
27th ; and this attempt was made by him to get
possession of the height, till eight o'clock at night.
To this error is attributed the list of killed
and wounded, on the evening of the 27th July.
And it is certain, that many fell by the hands
of our own troops ; who, in the confusion, and
owing to the darkness of the night, at one time
could not distinguish friend from foe.
Major Fordyce, It was upou tliis occasion that major Fordyce,
(acting adjutant-general to general Hill's division,)
a most valuable officer, fell ; — deeply regretted by
the army in general ; but, in particular, by the gal-
lant general Hill, whose brigade-major he had been
previous to his promotion to the adjutant-general's
department. The body of this brave officer was re-
cognized, by an intelligent young officer of the 48th
regiment, (lieut. Pardey,) among the killed and
wounded of the enemy, near the summit of the hill ;
and, from the position of the body, the head point-
ing downwards, and the breast and neck covered
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 485
with wounds, it was evident he received the con-
tents of many of the enemy's musl<ets, levelled at
1809.
him while leading on the British troops to the J"'J^-
Remarks on the
charge. . batUeofXala-
'&^
His remains, together with the other brave
fellows who fell on this night, were covered up on
the side of the hill, as well as the darkness of the
night and the pressure of the moment would admit.
From some unaccountable circumstance, the
ground occu-pied by the left wing of the British line,
and the intermediate space between thatand the right
wing of the French line, had not been reconnoitred
previous to the action, or, if any reconnoissance had
been made, it was but partial : although there had
been time sufficient for that purpose, from thp
S4th to the 27th July, the period the British army
halted at Talavera. Indeed, sufficient time was
given to make the necessary reconnoitres ; and,
while the enemy were passing the Alberch6, and
moving on their ground, it would have been well if
lord Wellington, having made choice of ground,
had guarded against, or, at least, made himself ac-
quainted with any thing that might impede the
movement of any part of liis force during the en-
vera.
gagement.
This neglect was sincerely felt on the course oi
the 28th July, in the morning, in the want of
cavalry in the valley, between the height and the
BOOK IV.
CHAP. VIII.
1809.
486 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
hills, to followed up the defeat received by the
division under Lapisse, in the attack on the height ;
•^"'^- to check the enemy's coluains from advancing:
Remarks on tlie "^ ^ ^
battle of Taia- by the vallcy to the assistance of the retreating
division, and afterwards, when the cavalry were
posted in the valley, an attempt was made by the
23d light dragoons and 1st German Hussars, and
supported by the heavy brigade of cavalry, to
charge the enemy, who were deploying into line,
with an intent of once more attacking the troops
posted on the height ; at this moment, a deep
ravine, till then unnoticed, entirely checked the
advance of the 1st hussars and heavy cavalry, and
threw the ^'M\ dragoons into great disorder ; the
consequence of which was, the brave fellows who
had cleared the ravine, were exposed to the fire of
a solid square, and very soon fell victims to their
unsupported courage. Although a few of those
brave fellows cut their way through the square,
Braverjof famonff wliom were a captain Drake and lieutenant
capt Drake V & r
and lieut. An- Audcrsou, who wcrc wouudcd and taken prisoners,
derson. \ • • i
but afterwards effected their escape,) it was evident,
that, pven with the advantage of ground, a charge
of cavalry could but little effect a well-disciplined
body of this description. And it is worth re-
marking, that the enemy, on this occasion, resumed
the charge with great steadiness, and took such
dehberate aim, that but few of their opponents
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 487
escaped. The brave soldiers who fell here were ^^^^^^^f^^;
much disfigured, owing to their proximity to the ^"^'^^^^T*^
enemy's guns ; and it was found necessary to ex- J"'y
'' ® , Remarks ou the
amine the clothing:, in order to identify them. batiieofiaia-
^* ^ vera.
It is certain that neglect or ignorance was at-
tached to some department in this arrangement, or
the brigade of light dragoons would not have been
led by general Payne into the ravine, whereby any
effect that could be expected from the charge was
frustrated. Where this neglect is chargeable is
difficult to ascertain. From the multiplicity of ar-
rangements to be made by a commander-in-chief,
he must necessarily depend on the staff of the
army for great assistance, and particularly on the
departments of adjutant-general and quartermaster-
general. But, while situations on the staff are
filled up by young men of interest, and favourites
of general-oflficers, in preference to experienced
officers and men of ability, we cannot expect that
their duties will be conducted with that coolness,
precaution, and steadiness, which is essentially
necessary, where tbe success of a measure or the
life of the soldier is endangered.
Arrangements in regard to the staff-officers, ex-
tremely judicial, and pretty universally practised^
took place after the battle.
vera.
488 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIJ^ AND PORTUGAL,
^fAP^u^' '^^^^ position taken up by the Spaniards, in front
'^-'''~^''"''*^ of the town of Talavera, was, naturally, strong;
J">y- and, from its situation, in an olive grove, protected,
Remarks on the ^ r ^ » r> t l
battle of Taia- m a great lYieasure, from the enemy s fire. Lord
Wellington describes this ground important, and
its front so difficult, that he did not think proper to
urge the Spanish army to make any movement on
the left of the enemy. While he was engaged
with the English, of course, the difficulties to be
surmounted in any advance of the Spanish army,
operated in the same degree against the enemy, and
made any attempt of his to attack the Spanish post
equally hazardous. Now, if twenty-four thousand
British protected, with effect, the centre, and left of
the line formed by the combined army, it is natural
to suppose, 26,000 Spaniards more than necessary to
maintain the right of the line, and the more par-
ticularly, as this post had greater advantages, as a
position, than any other part of the alignement. It
therefore remains to be accounted for, why 8 or
10,000 Spanishtroo.ps (who, lord Wellington says,
manifested every disposition to render the British
assistance) were not brought into action, on the
centre or left of the line, at any of the times the
English troops were so pressed by the enemy ? and
when their appearance alone on the left of the line
would have had the effect of deterring the enemy
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 489
from so repeatedly attacking the height, by which ^^^^^^^J^^[
such immense loss was experienced in this quarter ? ^""""TsoT*^^
Had 8 or 10,000 Spaniards acted as a moving ^"^y-
Remarks on the
column in the rear of the line, and moved as the bauieotxaia-
vera.
exigency of the time required, it ^t'ould have been
of considerable advantage to the English in this
hard-fought battle, (in which 5,000 British soldiers
bled); and 18,000 Spaniards, under Cuesta, would
liave been a sufficient force to defend the right of
the line from any attack of the enemy, if any such
should be attempted.
Probably this circumstance, of the Spaniards not
being employed where their exertions would be
serviceable, had some effect on the misunderstand-
ing which at the time subsisted between the com-
manders of the combined armies. General Cuesta
was desirous that his force should be employed,
whereby he might participate in the honour ob-
tained by the English commander. To this mis-
understanding are attributed many of the evils
which attended the victory of Talav^era. The
abcindonment of tlie sick and wounded, .through
which thousands died, — the subsequent retreat
over the mountains of Castile, and the loss sus-
tained by the army while cantoned in Spanish
Estremadura, the infirmary of that country.
In the annals of history, says the private
490 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. communication, before quoted, there can be no-
CHAT' VIII. ' T ■»
''•^^'X''"'*-^ thing traced to surpass the bravery which the
J"'j- British troops evinced in this battle, where 24,000
battle of Taia- BHtish stood the attack, and defeated such su-
vera.
perior numbers of French, headed by gene-
rals of known celebrity, after two days and
nights hard fighting. The despatches, and the
letter of thanks from his majesty to the troops
after the battle, will shew how highly the govern-
ment appreciated the valour of the army ; and
medals were struck off and presented to com-
manders of regiments, holding the rank of lieute-
nant-colonels. This partial distribution of honour
was received with much dissatisfaction by the ju-
Mightnotin- ^^^^ classcs of the army. Some lieutenant-colonels
^vrnto^infe'rior (ovie lu particular who commanded a corps of de-
*"* "" tachments, and who, it is said, found it difficult
to get his name inserted among distinguished men)
received this badge, where majors and captains
who commanded regiments also, and bravely
fought them, received no recompense, because
it was their misfortune not to hold the rank
specified in this partial order for the distribution
of medals, as a reward for good conduct at the
battle of Talavera.
It is a circumstance worth mention, because it
proves the coolness and intrepidity of the troops,
that, during the action of the 28th, and at the time
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 491
the enemy's guns were playing on the left of the ^^^^p^JJ^'
British line with great effect, a solitary hare '^■^^T*^
was started on the plain and valley on the left of J"'y-
Remarks on the
the height, by a shell accidentally burstnig near battle of T»ia-
vera.
the cover of the affrighted animal, who, bemg
discovered by the divisions on the height, and in
the valley, a halloo was set up by the men,
much to the annoyance of the general officers,
who, however, could not prevent them enjoying
the chase in fancy, until the timid creature, unable
to extricate itself, (the artillery playing from every
direction in which it attempted to retreat,) was
shot with a bullet by a soldier of the rifle battalion
of the 60th Regiment. The diversion this chase
afforded to the soldiers, says the friend of the
writer, who narrates the incident, sufficiently
proves that their minds could not have been over-
powered by fear. We may say with the Spartan,
addressing the eulogist of Hercules, who ever
blamed them on this score ? and we may add, that
he who observed it with so much interest could not
«
be wanting in the faculties he praises.
During the second day of the battle, the face of
the ground changed from straw-colour to black,
the power of the sun having parched the ground,
together with the weed and stubble, then its only
produce. The explosion of a shell instantly fired
4.92
CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
BOOK IV. ]t ; and on leachinp; the pouch or mao-azine of the
cn AP. vrii. ^ CJ 1 D
wounded, who were unable to assist themselves,
would either blow up the sufferer altogether, or
1809.
J ah.
Eeniarks on the . . . .
battle of Taia- HTetnevably injure him
Caution to
young soldiers.
Col. Goraon,
83d Kegiment
The effect of a shell, (it need not be ^stated,
except to young officers,) when exploding in a
proper range, is terribly destructive, twenty men
falling under the influence of this combustible in a
second. Sometimes it will make its way through an
entire column ; and, in one instance, where a shell
exploded in the centre of a French column, the
whole were thrown into entire disorder. A ri-
cochet-ball having struck an English tumbril near
the height, blew up its contents and killed brigade-
major Gardiner, of general Stewart's brigade, and
badlv wounded some officers of the 60th Re-
giment: — the 48th Regiment and Buffs received
much damage in the same way ; and one shell fell
on the height on which lord Wellington placed
himselfj and destroyed a tumbril, four horses, and
all the people near it at the time.
Colonel Gordon, 83d Regiment, after being
previously wounded, and in the act of being re-
moved from the field in a blanket, was (together
with those around him) blown to pieces by a shell,
which, in a most unhappy manner, rolled after
him. This officer had the respect of his re-
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON.
giment, and considered by all to be a great loss to ^ J,p. vnT
the service. ^""^TsS*^
Colonel i\lLiter, 3d Buffs, was struck by a •^"'>'-
Reraaiks on the
shell on the head, while sitting, anions: a num- banic ot Taia-
' ^^ '^ vera.
ber of officers, on the side of the heiglit, remark-
ing tipon the enemy's movement. He was uni-
versally esteemed, and deeply regretted by the
Buffs.
Lieutenant-colonel Charles Donnellan, 1st Batt. Death of coi.
Donntllan,
48th Reg. Among the many brave officers who
fell, or receivedmortal wounds, at Talavera, none is
to be more regretted than this officer, who received
a wound in the knee, which proved mortal, while
leading his battahon to the charge, in support of
th6 Guards, who were thrown into confusion from
having advanced too far after the enemy. Colonel
Donnellan was one who governed his regiment
without flogging; and sir David Baird publicly
declared the £d Battalion 48th Regiment, when on
the Curragh, of Kildare, in 1808, as fine a regiment,
and in as high a state of discipline, a^ he could
desire to command. The abolition of flogging, of
course, gained him the affection of the privates ;
and although he frequently spoke harshly to the
officers, he never would injure them by unnecessary
courts-martial, or stopping their promotion : and.
^94 CAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL,
with the name of a very severe commanding officer,
he was looked upon as a father by all, and famili-
BOOK IV.
CH A P. VIII.
1809.
.J"'j- arly styled Charley, an appellation by which he
Remarksonthe J J -^ ' 11 J
battle of Taia- frequently heard himself commented on in the tents
or barrack-rooms, by the men, unconscious of his
proximity at the moment. He was promoted to
the 1st battalion in Gibraltar, and joined it early
in the year 1809 ; his removal was deeply regretted
by the soldiers of the 2d. Their affection for their
old colonel was strongly evinced upon an occasion,
when the Spanish general, Cuesta, reviewed the
British troops at Oropeza, previous to the battle
Anecdote of of Talavcra. A short time before this, the 1st
the true aifec- • c< •
tion with which battaliou had joined the army ni Spam, under the
a commanding
officer who does commaud of thc lieutenant-colonel, and he had
his duty may
inspire his iu- j^q|- ^gg^ gggn by thc mcu of thc 2d battalion, who
fenors. -^
were a very steady regiment, under arms, and had
been particularly cautioned on this occasion, in
order to exhibit to general Cuesta a specimen of
high British discipline. When the Spanish general,
accompanied by lord Wellington, arrived before
the regiment, nothing could exceed their steadi-
ness, until the men discovered old Charley, (as
they styled colonel Donnellan,) riding with the
staff, when an extraordinary degree of confusion
took place, and it was with difficulty they pre-
served any appearance of discipline, reiterating
the expressions, " T>'id you see old Charley.'' The
UNDER LORD WELLINGTON. 495
congratulation passed like lightning through the ^^^^^^J^,;
men, much to the chagrin of the commanding ^^"^^J^^^
officer, who piqued himself on their general J"'y-
Remarks on the
order. battle of Talai-
vera.
On the day of the battle, the colonel was coi. DoDndiau.
dressed according to his regimental order, for a
garrison town — stiff leather breeches and long
boots, hair powdered, &c. and expressed much
displeasure against the enemy, who wounded two
of his horses with their (as he expressed himself)
*' long muskets, made to shoot from two miles off."
On receiving his wound, he was in front of the
battle ; it was very severe, and seemed to disable
him at once. He, however, took off his hat, and,
gracefully bowing, called major Middlemore to
take the command. If there had been surgical
assistance in time, and his leg and part of his thigh
amputed, he might have lived ; but, in three days,
symptoms of mortification appeared, and he was
left in Talavera, where he almost immediately
died; on his death-bed, he desired to be parti-
cularly remembered to all his brave officers, and
begged, if he had offended them, that they would
excuse his hasty temper, when he was no more.
This brave ofhcer was buried by the French gre-
nadiers of the regiment in Talavera, on or near
the spot where he received his wound, with the real
honours of war.
49^ GAMPAIGNS IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL.
battle of Tala-
vera.
BOOK IV. " How sleep the brave who sink to rest,
CHAP. VIII.
\^^\^^^ By all their country's wishes blest !
J I When Spring, with dewy fingers cold.
Remarks on the Returns to deck their hallow'd mould.
She then shall dress a sweeter sod
Than fancy's feet have ever trod ;
By fairy hands their knell is rung.
By forms unseen their dirge is sung ;
Then Honour comes, a pilgrim grey.
To bless the turf that wraps their clay;
And Freedom shall awhile repair.
To dwell a weeping hermit there."
To the ensuing volume must be referred the ac-
counts of the enemy, and the views of the future
campaign.
497
INDEX.
Account of the battle of Alcantara; from the Lisbon gazette, 272.
Admirable spirit of this little corps, an example to armies, 219.
Advance of the British army into Spain, 288.
Alcantara, first attack of, 265.
Anecdotes, interesting, 412, 490, 496, &c.
Anticipation of a Frence requisition, by these able partizans ; in-
cluding stragglers from sir John Moore's army, 224.
Articles of treaty for the evacuation of Corunna, 6.
Madrid, 13.
Battle of Talavera, 407.
Beresford, general, his appointment, 50.
Buonaparte, Joseph's, account of the position of the imperial army
and the enemy's army, 42.
Cadiz, precautions for its preservation, 105.
Cameron, brigadier-general's, brigade, 25.
Campaign, short, of sir Robert Wilson, 25.
Capitulation of Corunna, 14.
■ Madrid, ib.
Communication of John Pink to colonel Mayne, 254.
Contents of a French mail, 225.
Correspondence of general Sebastiani, 333.
Cowardice of French officers, 331.
Cowardice of French officers, declared by themselves, 331.
Craddock, sir J. F. his command, 25.
Craddock, sir J. certificate relative to these orders, 35.
Cuesta, General's details, series of, 420.
Defence of the frontier by the Lusitanian Legion, 209.
Disasters of the retreat of the French, 206.
Estimate of 52,000 British troops in the Peninsula, 11.
Estimate of the forces, 113.
Excellent precautions of the frontier army, 47.
Exposition of the conduct of the Portuguese Legion, 218.
French force immediately opposed to the allies, 134.
French out-post surprised, 223.
Frere's, Mr. general approbation of, political military conduct, 167.
Frontier operations, 217.
General orders, 275.
■ , Lisbon, January 2d, relative to the occupation
of the fortress of Almuda, 34, 149.
Hypercriticisms upon sir A. Wellesley's defeat of Soult, con-
sidered, 192.
498 INDEX.
Indicalions of an approaching conflict with the enemy, 365.
Injurious effects to an army of a cruel warfare, 216.
Inscription on Trajan's bridge at Alcantara, 412.
Instructions of heutenant-colonel Grant, 266.
Intelligence derived by colonel Grant, 24-5.
Intercepted despatch of marshal Soult, addressed to his majesty,
king of Spain and the Indies, 312.
Intercepted leiters, describing the situation and progress of the
enemy.
Interesting communications of the partizans of sir R. Wilson's
corps, 234.
Letter from viscount Castle reagh to sir John Moore, 4, 5.
• — • colonel sir G. Smith, 49-
■ . lieutenant-general sir Arthur
Wellesley, 102, 104, 107, 108, 210, 211, 303, 380, 381.
■from colonel Guard, 45th Regiment, dated Torre de
Monrero, January 9, 1809, to colonel Mayne, com-
manding the fortress of Almeida, &c. &c. 33.
brigadier-general sir Robert Wilson, relative to the
prize-cotton, to colonel Mayne, 35.
-Mr. secretary Canning to the right honourable J. H.
Frere, 109, 137, 139, 166, 403.
Joseph Buonaparte to general Sebastiani, 121.
-Marshal Jourdan to general Sebastiani, ibid.
general Belliard to general Sebastiani, 122.
M. de Cornel to general Cuesta, 123, 434,
general Belliard to general Sebastiani, 125.
general Cuesta to M. de Cornel, 134, 175, 398,
409, 410, 411, 412,416, 420, 421, 423, 424, 426.
Mr. Frere, 164.
K colonel Mayne, 267.
Don Antonica, 361,
sir Arthur Wellesley to lord viscount Castle reagh,
135, 143, 193, 203, 287, 288, 298, 3 00, 365, 386, 412,
448 477.
■ Isir Arthur Wellesley to Mr. Frere, 115, 158, 379,
380, 390, 416.
M. de Garay, 160.
■ general Cuesta, 161.
-Mr. Frere to sir John Craddock, 1 18.
. general Cuesta, 125.
sir A. Wellesley, 177, 373.
M. de Garay, 430.
— Mr. secretary Canning, 154, 186, 213,
306, 394.
sir Robert Wilson to marshal Beresford, 227.
colonel Mayne, 274.
INDEX. 499
Letter from Don Ramon Blanco to colonel Mayne, 427 .
colonel Grant to colonel Mayne, 246, 248, 254,
258, 260, 261, 262, 304.
^ col. J. Wilson 10 major Ruman, 244.
— colonel Mayne to colonel Grant, 267.
major Ruman to sir R. Wilson, 234.
, colonel Mayne, 238, 242.
major I'Estrange to sir R. Wilson, 239.
the supreme of Estremadura to colonel Mayne, 268.
the junta Of Alcantara to colonel Mayne, 269.
— — the supreme junta of Castilla to colonel Mayne, 270.
the bishop of Oporto to colonel Mayne^ 271.
'- Mr. secretary Canning to John Charles Villiers, 283.
general Campbell to colonel Mayne, 296.
general M'Kenzie to sir R. Wilson, 296, 429.
marshal Soult to the king of Spain, 328.
Mr. secretary Canning to the marquis Wellesley, 345,
405.
Duke del Parque to M. de Cornel, 383.
sir Arthur Wellesley to general O'Donoghue, 388,39 1 .
-marshal Beresford, 393.
-general Vanegas to M. de Cornel, 131, 400, 401.
-general O'Donoghue to sir Arthur Wellesley, 404.
-M. de Garay to thejunta of Badajos, 432.
sir Arthur Wellesley, 435.
Mr. Frere, 437.
Lisbon Diary, 263.
Lisbon Gazette, ib.
Extraordinary supplement to, 265.
Low treachery of the enemy, 23 1 .
Lusitanian Legion under colonel Mayne, its bravery, 291.
Lusitanian Legion, their brave conduct, 44.
Lusitanian Legion, officers orders for their retreat, 30.
Lusitanian Legion, origin of, ib.
Mayne, colonel, documents of the Legion, 26.
Medellin, battle of, 98.
Moore, sir John, state of the Allies after his retreat, 3.
Moore, sir John's army estimated at 40,000, 11.
Moore, sir John, ill effects of his retreat, 29.
Moore, sir John, ill effects of his apparently undue regulations,
415.
Necessities of the army on its return from the south of Portugal,
288.
Oporto, action at, 193.
Ordnance, return of, taken in the battle of Talavera, 467.
Pardy, lieutenant, 484.
500 INDEX.
Perseverance of the British government in respect to the
Peninsula, 13.
Portuguese troops, or fifth regiment Cassadores, its bravery, 291.
• second regiment of Oporto, its bravery, 29 1 .
— — the Covilhao Militia, its bravery, 291.
one troop of the 2d cavalry, Portuguese,
its bravery, 29 1 .
Portuguese troops or fifty horse, 11th regiment, Portuguese, its
bravery, 29 1 .
Portuguese army, utility of bulletins, 97.
Portuguese force under colonel Mayne, return of, 29 1 .
Proclamation of the government of Portugal, 1 1th December,
1808, 21.
Proclamation of sir Arthur Wellesley, 200.
Presages of an approaching battle, 385.
Remarks on the British system under sir John Moore, 176.
Return of killed and wounded at Talavera.
— — Ordnance taken at, 467.
Saragossa, glorious decree on its fall, 89.
Siege of Chaves, ib.
Siege and capitulation of Saragossa, 52.
Simplicity of engineering operations of the Spanish secretary-at-
war, 4] 1.
Simplicity, great, of the Spanish generals, 412.
Soult surprised, 202.
Soult's retreat to join Victor, 233.
Spain, thirty-third bulletin of their army, 79.
Staff of the army, 112.
Staff of lord Wellington's army in 1809, 170.
State of the Peninsula after sir John Moore's retreat, 1 .
, State of the Spanish army under general Cuesta, 128.
Stratagem of Soult, ib.
Sword of Bejar, 43.
Talavera, battle of, 407 .
Translation of a statement of the French force in Eslremadura, 1 33.
Translation of a report from general Cuesta to M. Cornel, 128.
Talavera, battle of, return of killed and wounded, 458.
Talavera, battle of, names of officers killed and wounded, 468,
Trajan's bridge at Alcantara, 41 1.
Treaty of capitulation of Corunna, 1 3.
'- of Madrid, 14.
Wilson's, sir Robert, certificate on these orders, ib.
Wellesley, sir Arthur's, despatch, 440.
END OF VOL. IV.
W, Marchant, Printer, liigram-Court, Fenchiirch-Street. London,
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